Fourteen new intra-African routes have launched this year, the fastest expansion since the single air transport market was agreed.
Flying between two African capitals has often meant a connection on another continent. That is changing as traffic rights agreed under the single air transport market are used rather than simply ratified.
Carriers have concentrated on city pairs with existing business travel and diaspora demand. Load factors on the new routes are reported above seventy per cent in their first two quarters.
Costs are the obstacle
Fares remain high relative to distance. Airlines point to fuel differentials, airport charges and insurance costs that are markedly higher than in comparable markets.
Maintenance capacity is another constraint. Most heavy maintenance still leaves the continent, which lengthens aircraft downtime and raises the cost of every frame in service.
“We can open routes faster than we can service the aircraft flying them.”Emeka Nwachukwu, operations director, Overland Airways
What to watch
Two maintenance facilities under construction are due to open next year, and the regulator is reviewing airport charges at the busiest hubs.
Sources and documents
- African Airlines Association traffic statistics
- Civil aviation authority route approvals
- Interviews with two airline operations directors
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