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Kampala (Uganda) ↔ Douala (Cameroon)

Kampala (Uganda) ↔ Douala (Cameroon)

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

1. Demand & Passenger Traffic

Current demand (2024): ~23,000 passengers/year
Past demand (2022): ~22,100 passengers
Forecast demand (2026): ~24,200 passengers
Annual growth rate: ~2.4% CAGR
Main traveler types: Oil sector staff, corporate executives, government officials
Top O&D substitute cities: Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Lagos
Total travel time saved with direct flight: 6–9 hours per trip
Average ticket cost (2024): $820–980 round trip

2. Revenue Projections

Estimated average yield: ~$209 per passenger
Estimated annual route revenue: ~$4.8 million
Potential net revenue after ops costs: ~$900,000–1.2 million
Pricing advantage: Removal of multi-stop itineraries
Seat load target: 60–65%

3. Economic Justification

Kampala: Regional banking, agriculture, and manufacturing base
Douala: Oil export hub and commercial capital of Cameroon
No nonstop link between Uganda and Cameroon
Current connections require 1–2 stops

4. Aircraft & Operational Details

Aircraft types: Embraer E190-E2, A220-300
Flight time (direct): ~4hr 50min
Range: Within capabilities
Runway length: Adequate at both airports

5. Proposed Launch Strategy

Initial frequency: 2x weekly
Scaling target: 3x weekly within 18 months
Ideal timing: Midday departure from Kampala, evening return from Douala
Feeder network: Potential connections via Nairobi and Entebbe for East Africa, via Douala for Central Africa

6. Strategic Value

Connects East Africa manufacturing hub with Central Africa oil hub
Strengthens trade in industrial and energy sectors
Expands intra-African corporate travel network

7. Recommended Airlines

RwandAir
Camair-Co
Uganda Airlines