LUSAKA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Zambian-registered Mahogany Airline on Tuesday announced plans to launch flights into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this year as part of its expansion program.

Mahogany Airline, which resumed operations in 2017 after it was suspended in 2014 due to operational challenges, said it will invest about 10 million U.S. dollars this year to expand its operations, including regional flights.

Jim Belemu, the airline's chief executive officer, told a press briefing that in addition to opening two new domestic flights, plans are also underway for flights into the DRC city of Lubumbashi.

The airline expects to double the number of its passengers this year to 60,000, up from last year's 30,000, Belemu said.