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Mombasa (Kenya) ↔ Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo)

Mombasa (Kenya) ↔ Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo)

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

1. Demand & Passenger Traffic

Current demand (2024): ~18,000 passengers/year
Past demand (2022): ~17,150 passengers
Forecast demand (2026): ~18,920 passengers
Annual growth rate: ~2.5% CAGR
Main traveler types: Seasonal tourists, oil sector personnel
Top O&D substitute cities: Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kinshasa
Total travel time saved with direct flight: 6–10 hours per trip
Average ticket cost (2024): $950–$1,150 round trip

2. Revenue Projections

Estimated average yield: ~$195 per passenger
Estimated annual route revenue: ~$3.5 million
Potential net revenue after ops costs: ~$900,000–1.3 million
Pricing advantage: Fare reduction potential of 20–25%
Seat load target: 60–65%

3. Economic Justification

Mombasa: Coastal tourism entry point
Pointe-Noire: Oil production and logistics center
Limited seasonal connectivity between East and Central Africa
High-cost detours through non-African hubs

4. Aircraft & Operational Details

Aircraft types: Embraer E190-E2, A220-300, Boeing 737-700
Flight time (direct): ~5hr 45min
Range: Within aircraft limits
Runway length: Adequate at both airports

5. Proposed Launch Strategy

Initial frequency: 2x weekly (seasonal)
Scaling target: 3x weekly at 70% load factor
Ideal timing: Weekend and midweek patterns for holiday and business cycles
Feeder network: Nairobi, Kinshasa, and Luanda

6. Strategic Value

Direct leisure link between Indian Ocean and Atlantic coastlines
Improved routing for energy and offshore workforce
Greater intra-African air access for seasonal and corporate demand

7. Recommended Airlines

Kenya Airways
Congo Airways
ASKY Airlines