Dakar (Senegal) ↔ Douala (Cameroon)

Dakar (Senegal) ↔ Douala (Cameroon)

Route Status: Unserved
Route Type: Intra-African international
Region: West–Central Africa**

1. Demand & Passenger Traffic

• Current demand (2024): ~72,000 passengers/year
  
  

• Past demand (2022): ~67,296 passengers
  
  

• Forecast demand (2026): ~76,478 passengers
  
  

• Annual growth rate: ~3% CAGR
  
  

• Main traveler types: Business, diplomatic, NGO, trade show attendees, leisure
  
  

• Top O&D substitute cities: Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Paris, Casablanca
  
  

• Total travel time saved with direct flight: 5–8 hours per trip
  
  

• Average ticket cost (2024): $820–$1,100 round trip
  
  

2. Revenue Projections

• Estimated average yield: ~$117 per passenger
  
  

• Estimated annual route revenue: ~$8.4 million
  
  

• Potential net revenue after ops costs: ~$2.6–4.2 million
  
  

• Pricing advantage: Could lower average fare by up to 30%
  
  

• Seat load target: 65%+ breakeven within 12 months
  
  

3. Economic Justification

• Senegal GDP growth: 4.7%
  
  

• Cameroon GDP growth: 3.9%
  
  

• Douala: major port and manufacturing hub
  
  

• Dakar: ECOWAS headquarters and West African trade gateway
  
  

• Strong regional demand for faster trade routes and diplomatic travel
  
  

• Conferences and NGOs require more efficient access between the cities
  
  

4. Aircraft & Operational Details

• Aircraft types: Embraer E190-E2, A220-300, Boeing 737-700
  
  

• Flight time (direct): ~4hr 20min
  
  

• Range: All listed types capable
  
  

• Runway length: Suitable for narrow-body operations
  
  

5. Proposed Launch Strategy

• Initial frequency: 2x weekly
  
  

• Scaling target: 3–4x weekly within 12–18 months
  
  

• Ideal timing: Afternoon departure from Dakar, late morning return from Douala
  
  

• Feeder network: Leverage connections from Banjul, Bamako, Brazzaville, and Libreville
  
  

6. Strategic Value

• Links two key Francophone business cities with large intergovernmental presence
  
  

• Shortens regional access time for business, aid, and events
  
  

• Improves connectivity across ECOWAS and CEMAC zones
  
  

• Easier movement for Central African entrepreneurs entering West African markets
  
  

7. Recommended Airlines

• ASKY Airlines
  
  

• Air Senegal
  
  

• Camair-Co