Air Brousse was a Congolese airline. The carrier was formed in 1955 by a group of Belgians and flew services within the Belgian Congo, mainly from Leopoldville and Luluabourg. Air Brousse also operated feeder services for Sabena. It had its headquarters in Leopoldville.[1]

The company ceased operations on 31 December 1966 (1966-12-31) and was taken over by Air Congo on 30 June 1967.

History

Air Brousse was established as a private enterprise in March 1955 (1955-03).[2] The Belgians who owned the company were distributors for Aero Commander, Hughes and Piper aircraft in the Congo.[3] In the beginnings, the carrier flew local scheduled services from Leopoldville and Luluabourg, but charter services were also undertaken. It also run feeder services for Sabena.[2]

By April 1960 (1960-04), the fleet comprised four Rapides, two Piper Pacer, two Tri-Pacers and one Tiger Moth that worked scheduled and charter services within the Belgian Congo. The carrier also run a maintenance facility for private aircraft.[4] Employment was at 143 in April 1964 (1964-04).[5] The number of employees had grown to 158 by April 1965 (1965-04). Focusing mainly on the transport of passengers, at this time the airline also undertook aerial works and kept a minor shareholding in Air Congo,[6] which had been formed in 1961 with the government and Sabena being the major shareholders, together keeping 95% of the shares, and Air Brousse and Sobelair holding the balance.[7]

Air Brousse operated until 31 December 1966.[8] The company was absorbed by Air Congo on 30 June 1967 (1967-06-30).[9] Cogeair took over some of the routes formerly operated by Air Brousse.[10]

See also

• Transport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Citations

Bibliography

• Guttery, Ben R. (1998). Encyclopedia of African Airlines. Jefferson, North Carolina: Mc Farland & Company, Inc. ISBN 0-7864-0495-7.