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Lilongwe (Malawi) ↔ Accra (Ghana)

Lilongwe (Malawi) ↔ Accra (Ghana)

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

1. Demand & Passenger Traffic

Current demand (2024): ~27,000 passengers/year
Past demand (2022): ~25,732 passengers
Forecast demand (2026): ~28,279 passengers
Annual growth rate: ~2.3% CAGR
Main traveler types: NGO workers, agricultural traders, diplomats
Top O&D substitute cities: Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg
Total travel time saved with direct flight: 10–14 hours per trip
Average ticket cost (2024): $850–$1,100 round trip

2. Revenue Projections

Estimated average yield: ~$230 per passenger
Estimated annual route revenue: ~$6.2 million
Potential net revenue after ops costs: ~$1.5–2.8 million
Pricing advantage: One-stop alternatives remain high-cost
Seat load target: 60%+ breakeven for narrow-body aircraft

3. Economic Justification

Accra: Hub for West African development and finance
Lilongwe: Agricultural export center and NGO operational base
High volume of interregional aid, government, and trade missions
Rising Ghana–Malawi development cooperation

4. Aircraft & Operational Details

Aircraft types: Embraer E195-E2, A220-100, Boeing 737-700
Flight time (direct): ~5hr 30min
Range: Within operating capacity
Runway length: Adequate at both airports

5. Proposed Launch Strategy

Initial frequency: 2x weekly
Scaling target: 3x weekly after 12 months
Ideal timing: Morning departure from Lilongwe, evening return from Accra
Feeder network: Taps into NGO and diplomatic networks in both cities

6. Strategic Value

Direct access for development programs
Faster coordination between regional aid agencies
Shorter route for agricultural trade discussions
Better diplomatic and public-sector travel options

7. Recommended Airlines

Africa World Airlines
Malawian Airlines
ASKY Airlines
Kenya Airways (via interline extension)