Airlines

A History of Progress and Tragedy: The Story of Air Burundi





The history of Air Burundi is one of both progress and tragedy. Established in 1967, Air Burundi was the airline of the Republic of Burundi and the national carrier of the country. Originally named Air Centrafique, the airline was founded with the help of the Belgian government, who supplied two Fokker F27 Friendship aircraft. This marked the beginning of commercial air travel in the country of Burundi.

Air Burundi's early years were marked by growth and progress. In 1968, the airline doubled its fleet size, adding two more Fokker F27 Friendship aircraft to its roster. By 1970, the airline had added four more Fokker F27 Friendship aircraft and two Douglas DC-4s. Air Burundi's fleet size peaked in the early 1970s, with a total of eleven aircraft.

Throughout the 1970s, Air Burundi experienced a number of important milestones. In 1971, the airline established connections with the Democratic Republic of Congo, allowing travelers to fly between the two countries. In 1973, the airline acquired its first jet aircraft, a Boeing 727-200. This marked the beginning of the airline's jet age and allowed the airline to expand its route network.

The 1980s saw a number of changes for Air Burundi. The airline acquired three Boeing 707-320B aircraft and began to expand its international route network. In 1984, Air Burundi began operating flights to Europe, with its first route being to Geneva, Switzerland. In 1989, the airline added a Boeing 737-200 to its fleet and began operating flights to other African countries.





Unfortunately, the 1990s were marked by tragedy for Air Burundi. In 1992, one of the airline's Boeing 707-320Bs crashed in Gitega, Burundi, killing all 106 passengers and crew aboard. The cause of the crash was never determined, but it marked the worst crash in the history of Air Burundi. In 1996, the airline was also the subject of a US federal investigation for alleged involvement in the illegal arms trade.

Since the 2000s, Air Burundi has experienced a period of growth and stability. The airline has expanded its fleet, adding two Airbus A320s in 2003 and two more in 2006. The airline also began operating international routes to Europe and the Middle East in 2003. The airline has since added additional Airbus A320s to its fleet and has become a reliable carrier for both domestic and international routes.

Today, Air Burundi is the largest airline in Burundi and is a major player in the regional aviation industry. The airline operates a fleet of seven aircraft and has established a strong network of domestic and international routes. Despite its turbulent history, Air Burundi has become a reliable and trusted carrier for the people of Burundi and the region.