Kumasi (Ghana) ↔ Monrovia (Liberia)

Kumasi (Ghana) ↔ Monrovia (Liberia)

Route Status: Underserved
Route Type: Intra-African international
Region: West Africa**

1. Demand & Passenger Traffic

• Current demand (2024): ~21,000 passengers/year
  
  

• Past demand (2022): ~19,740 passengers
  
  

• Forecast demand (2026): ~22,371 passengers
  
  

• Annual growth rate: ~2.9% CAGR
  
  

• Main traveler types: Regional traders, VFR (visiting friends and relatives), NGO workers, small business
  
  

• Top O&D substitute cities: Accra, Abidjan, Banjul
  
  

• Total travel time saved with direct flight: 4–6 hours per trip
  
  

• Average ticket cost (2024): $850–$1,100 round trip
  
  

2. Revenue Projections

• Estimated average yield: ~$115 per passenger
  
  

• Estimated annual route revenue: ~$3.9 million
  
  

• Potential net revenue after ops costs: ~$1.1–2.0 million
  
  

• Pricing advantage: Direct flight could cut current prices by up to 20%
  
  

• Seat load target: 60% breakeven possible with turboprops
  
  

3. Economic Justification

• Ghana GDP growth: 3.5%
  
  

• Liberia GDP growth: 4.0%
  
  

• Kumasi: Commercial hub of central Ghana
  
  

• Monrovia: Port and administrative center
  
  

• Gaps in regional air access to second-tier cities
  
  

4. Aircraft & Operational Details

• Aircraft types: ATR 72-600, Dash 8 Q400
  
  

• Flight time (direct): ~2hr 15min
  
  

• Range: Easily within turboprop capabilities
  
  

• Runway length: Kumasi upgraded for regional service
  
  

5. Proposed Launch Strategy

• Initial frequency: 2x weekly
  
  

• Scaling target: 4x weekly within 18 months
  
  

• Ideal timing: Morning departure from Kumasi, early afternoon return from Monrovia
  
  

• Feeder network: Domestic Ghana traffic through Kumasi; regional Liberia feed via Monrovia
  
  

6. Strategic Value

• Boosts West African intra-regional access beyond capital cities
  
  

• Improves travel efficiency for second-tier business centers
  
  

• Supports regional traders and diaspora mobility
  
  

• Expands air access for humanitarian and NGO workers
  
  

7. Recommended Airlines

• Africa World Airlines
  
  

• ASKY Airlines
  
  

• PassionAir
  
  

• Ethiopian (interline or wet lease)