# Chapman Freeborn arranges Boeing 787 lease for Air Congo

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/chapman-freeborn-arranges-boeing-787-lease-for-air-congo/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-01T05:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-30T12:24:47+00:00
- **Section:** Transport / Air
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** ACMI, Air Congo, Aircraft Leasing, Avia Solutions Group, Boeing 787-9, Boeing Dreamliner, Chapman Freeborn, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Passenger Aviation

Chapman Freeborn has arranged the lease of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from MIAT Mongolian Airlines to Air Congo, supporting the Congolese airline’s fleet development and plans to increase passenger capacity.

The aircraft arrived at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa on 27 October 2026 and is scheduled to enter commercial service on 31 October. The arrangement was coordinated by Chapman Freeborn’s ACMI and Leasing division, which brought together the two airlines and supported the agreement through negotiations and aircraft delivery.

The Boeing 787-9 will accommodate 292 passengers in a three-class configuration, comprising 30 Business Class seats, 36 Premium Economy seats and 226 Economy seats. Its introduction will provide Air Congo with additional passenger capacity and a broader range of cabin options.

The aircraft’s arrival was attended by Jean-Pierre Bemba, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Transport, alongside Air Congo Chairperson Jeanne Madeleine Mpemba Tujibikile and the airline’s Director General, Mesfin Biru.

### Leasing agreement supports fleet development

Chapman Freeborn said its ACMI and Leasing team worked with Air Congo to assess the carrier’s aircraft capacity requirements and passenger service objectives before identifying MIAT Mongolian Airlines as a suitable leasing partner.

The company subsequently coordinated discussions between the airlines and supported the contractual process through to the aircraft’s delivery.

Daniel Huggins, Director of ACMI and Leasing at Chapman Freeborn, said understanding Air Congo’s operational requirements and development plans was central to selecting the aircraft and leasing partner.

Linas Dovydenas, President – IMEA at Chapman Freeborn, said aircraft leasing arrangements must meet both the operational and commercial requirements of the airline involved.

The companies have not disclosed the duration or financial value of the lease, or provided details about the allocation of operational responsibilities under the agreement.

Chapman Freeborn is part of Avia Solutions Group and provides aircraft charter, ACMI and leasing services across international aviation markets. The latest agreement adds to its aircraft leasing activities while supporting Air Congo’s development of its passenger operations

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Cite as: "Chapman Freeborn arranges Boeing 787 lease for Air Congo", pelavox., 1 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/chapman-freeborn-arranges-boeing-787-lease-for-air-congo/