Durban (South Africa) ↔ Douala (Cameroon)

Durban (South Africa) ↔ Douala (Cameroon)

Route Status: Underserved
Route Type: Intra-African international
Region: Southern–Central Africa

1. Demand & Passenger Traffic

• Current demand (2024): ~42,000 passengers/year
  
  

• Past demand (2022): ~40,020 passengers
  
  

• Forecast demand (2026): ~43,923 passengers
  
  

• Annual growth rate: ~2.3% CAGR
  
  

• Main traveler types: Corporate, logistics, energy, manufacturing
  
  

• Top O&D substitute cities: Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi
  
  

• Total travel time saved with direct flight: 7–11 hours per trip
  
  

• Average ticket cost (2024): $1,000–$1,300 round trip
  
  

2. Revenue Projections

• Estimated average yield: ~$214 per passenger
  
  

• Estimated annual route revenue: ~$9 million
  
  

• Potential net revenue after ops costs: ~$2.5–4 million
  
  

• Pricing advantage: Reduces reliance on indirect Johannesburg routing
  
  

• Seat load target: 65%+ breakeven on narrow-body service
  
  

3. Economic Justification

• Durban: Major shipping and manufacturing hub
  
  

• Douala: Cameroon’s largest city and central port
  
  

• High volume of cargo-linked business travel
  
  

• Oil and gas ties between southern and central markets
  
  

4. Aircraft & Operational Details

• Aircraft types: A319, Embraer E195-E2, Boeing 737-700
  
  

• Flight time (direct): ~5hr 30min
  
  

• Range: All aircraft capable
  
  

• Runway length: Meets requirements at both airports
  
  

5. Proposed Launch Strategy

• Initial frequency: 2x weekly
  
  

• Scaling target: 3x weekly in year one
  
  

• Ideal timing: Early morning departure from Durban, afternoon return from Douala
  
  

• Feeder network: Connect Durban to Gqeberha and Johannesburg; Douala to Yaoundé and Libreville
  
  

6. Strategic Value

• Faster access for shipping and logistics firms
  
  

• Stronger oil-sector coordination
  
  

• More efficient travel for port operators and exporters
  
  

• Better options for Africa–Asia shipping chain coordination
  
  

7. Recommended Airlines

• Airlink
  
  

• South African Airways
  
  

• ASKY Airlines
  
  

• Camair-Co