Camair-Co,
Cameroon’s national airline, is charting an ambitious new course with
plans to expand its fleet from 8 to 18 aircraft by
2028, according to a recent report by the Development
Bank of Central African States (BDEAC).
This expansion strategy is backed by a substantial USD
168.6 million investment approved by BDEAC, signaling
renewed confidence in the airline’s vision for regional and
international growth.
The strategy outlined by
Camair-Co aims not only to relaunch suspended routes but also to break
into new markets, a move that could
diversify revenue streams and enhance Cameroon’s connectivity within
Africa and beyond. This is particularly significant as the Central
African region continues to seek stronger air links to foster economic
integration, boost tourism, and facilitate trade.
However,
the path to realizing this plan is riddled with operational
complexities. Despite the bold fleet expansion targets, Camair-Co
remains heavily reliant on wet-leased
aircraft to maintain its current network. Wet-leasing,
which involves renting both the aircraft and crew from other operators,
offers flexibility but also raises questions about cost efficiency and
long-term sustainability. For many African airlines, wet-leasing is a
double-edged sword—enabling route launches and schedule consistency, but
sometimes at the expense of brand identity and profitability.
The
report highlights that a substantial portion of Camair-Co’s own fleet
remains grounded. This includes two Chinese-manufactured
MA60 turboprops, two Dash
8-400 regional aircraft, and two Boeing
737 jets. Persistent maintenance issues and resource
constraints have kept these assets out of the skies, fueling debate
about the airline’s ability to effectively execute its ambitious growth
plan. Aircraft on the ground not only represent idle capital but also
impede the airline’s ability to respond dynamically to evolving market
demand.
The airline’s expansion blueprint is closely
linked to the revitalization of previously suspended routes. Restoring
these connections is vital for Cameroon’s domestic and regional
mobility, particularly as the country seeks to reassert its role as a
key aviation hub in Central Africa. The opening of new markets is
expected to stimulate competition, attract foreign investment, and
promote tourism—sectors that are crucial to Cameroon’s economic
diversification agenda.
Yet, underlying challenges
persist. The reliance on wet-leased aircraft suggests that Camair-Co
faces hurdles in fleet renewal and technical management. Ensuring the
availability of airworthy, reliable aircraft is paramount if the airline
is to build credibility and capture a greater share of the regional
market. Strengthening maintenance capabilities, investing in technical
staff, and securing access to spare parts are all critical steps toward
operational resilience.
For Africa’s travel sector,
Camair-Co’s expansion plans bring both opportunities and lessons. An
enlarged fleet and expanded network could create new options for
travelers, stimulate competitive pricing, and encourage cooperation
across airlines and tourism stakeholders. However, the experience also
underscores the importance of aligning fleet size with operational
capacity and market realities. The African aviation landscape is
littered with stories of overly ambitious growth plans that faltered due
to lack of technical readiness or financial discipline.
Travel
professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa will be watching closely to see
how Camair-Co navigates the next few years. The ability to turn
grounded assets into productive revenue generators, while maintaining
cost control and delivering reliable service, will determine whether
this expansion becomes a catalyst for sustainable growth or a cautionary
tale for the region’s airlines.
As 2028 approaches,
the focus will be on how effectively Camair-Co can leverage its capital
injection, restore its fleet to full operational status, and fulfill its
promise of expanded connectivity. The success or struggles of this
initiative may well influence aviation strategies across Central Africa,
highlighting the ongoing need for robust planning, technical
investment, and adaptive business models in the continent’s
fast-changing aviation environment.
