During the recent AviaDev conference in Zanzibar, Embraer presented a report that revealed intra-Africa routes with demand that could instantly benefit African airlines if they were served directly with appropriate aircraft.
Embraer’s report included three unserved direct routes to and from Cape Town in its top 10 that could sustain at least three direct flights per week.
Cape Town-Lusaka
Mining and agriculture support business travel on this route. Outbound leisure travel from Cape Town is also on the rise on the route, notes the report. Currently, there are no direct flights and travellers are routed via Johannesburg. Embraer estimates that this market could sustain four weekly flights on a 120-seat aircraft.
Cape Town-Lagos
This corridor links South Africa’s leisure capital with Nigeria’s business hub. Additionally, trade in technology, consumer goods, oil services, and fashion make this a strong business route. The route currently has limited direct options, with a heavy reliance on Johannesburg or Addis Ababa as connection points. Based on the Embraer forecast, this market could sustain four weekly flights on a 120-seat aircraft.
Cape Town-Dar es Salaam
This route will service the South-East Africa leisure corridor with strong tourism offerings and a growing middle-class market. The route supports trade in wine, textiles, and tourism services. South Africans often travel to Zanzibar and Serengeti via Dar es Salaam, and the report found a noticeable rise in the backpacker tourism segment. There are currently no direct flights, with travellers connecting via Johannesburg or Nairobi, adding to their costs and time. Based on the forecast, this market could sustain three weekly flights on a 100-seater.
