Windhoek (Namibia) ↔ Kinshasa (DR Congo)

Windhoek (Namibia) ↔ Kinshasa (DR Congo)

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

1. Demand & Passenger Traffic

• Current demand (2024): ~30,000 passengers/year
  
  

• Past demand (2022): ~28,608 passengers
  
  

• Forecast demand (2026): ~31,416 passengers
  
  

• Annual growth rate: ~2.4% CAGR
  
  

• Main traveler types: Mining, logistics, business, diplomatic
  
  

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

• Total travel time saved with direct flight: 6–10 hours per trip
  
  

• Average ticket cost (2024): $950–$1,300 round trip
  
  

2. Revenue Projections

• Estimated average yield: ~$233 per passenger
  
  

• Estimated annual route revenue: ~$7 million
  
  

• Potential net revenue after ops costs: ~$1.8–3.2 million
  
  

• Pricing advantage: Direct service reduces double connections
  
  

• Seat load target: 62%+ breakeven on narrow-body aircraft
  
  

3. Economic Justification

• Windhoek: Gateway to Walvis Bay port, regional logistics
  
  

• Kinshasa: Large-scale mining and import-heavy market
  
  

• Both economies linked to Southern African mineral trade
  
  

• Increasing traffic from contractors and energy firms
  
  

4. Aircraft & Operational Details

• Aircraft types: Embraer E190-E2, A220-300, Boeing 737-700
  
  

• Flight time (direct): ~4hr 45min
  
  

• Range: Fully supported
  
  

• Runway length: Suitable at both airports
  
  

5. Proposed Launch Strategy

• Initial frequency: 2x weekly
  
  

• Scaling target: 3x weekly by year two
  
  

• Ideal timing: Midday departure from Windhoek, late afternoon return from Kinshasa
  
  

• Feeder network: Use Lusaka and Johannesburg for onward regional links
  
  

6. Strategic Value

• Faster movement for mining professionals
  
  

• Shorter access to Walvis Bay export route
  
  

• Simplified travel for Namibian and Congolese officials
  
  

• Better regional coordination for Southern Africa trade corridors
  
  

7. Recommended Airlines

• TAAG Angola Airlines
  
  

• Air Namibia (via partnership)
  
  

• Congo Airways
  
  

• Ethiopian Airlines (via codeshare)