Cameroon’s
flag carrier, CAMAIR-CO, has adjusted its
fleet strategy, transitioning from a 90-seat CRJ900 to a 50-seat CRJ200.
This shift underscores the airline’s ongoing collaboration with South
African leasing specialist, CemAir, which
continues to supply both aircraft types.
This
strategic move comes as CAMAIR-CO navigates a period of fleet renewal
and optimization. The airline recently concluded wet-lease agreements
for a Boeing 737-700 with
Smartwings and an Embraer
E195 with Marathon Airlines.
These changes reflect CAMAIR-CO’s dynamic approach to capacity
management in response to market demands and operational
considerations.
Currently, two of CAMAIR-CO’s seven
aircraft are actively in service. This operational reality highlights
the airline’s ongoing reliance on strategic partnerships and agile fleet
adjustments to maintain essential services. The current active fleet
comprises a Boeing 737-700, a
Bombardier Dash 8-Q400, and the recently
introduced CRJ200.
CemAir,
a privately held South African airline, plays a crucial role in
supporting CAMAIR-CO’s operations. With a diverse fleet of around 31
aircraft, including various CRJ and
Dash 8 models, CemAir offers comprehensive
ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing
services. This expertise has proven invaluable to
airlines across Africa, particularly in challenging operational
environments.
CemAir’s extensive experience in
ACMI leasing and its commitment to safety
and regulatory compliance make it a reliable partner for CAMAIR-CO. The
company holds an ICAO-based Safety Management System
certification and has completed the IATA
Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), demonstrating its
adherence to international standards.
CAMAIR-CO’s
decision to downsize from the CRJ900 to the CRJ200 represents a 44%
reduction in seat capacity on routes served by these aircraft. This
adjustment allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in matching
capacity to demand, particularly on regional routes. The continued
partnership with CemAir ensures CAMAIR-CO retains access to reliable and
well-maintained aircraft.
The airline’s current
operational fleet ratio stands at approximately 29%, indicating that a
significant portion of its fleet is undergoing maintenance or awaiting
redeployment. This dynamic situation underscores the importance of
CAMAIR-CO’s strategic partnerships and its ongoing efforts to optimize
its fleet for maximum efficiency and service reliability.
As
Cameroon’s aviation market continues to rebound, CAMAIR-CO’s strategic
adjustments position the airline to navigate the evolving landscape.
The collaboration with CemAir provides crucial support while CAMAIR-CO
focuses on strengthening its operational capabilities and enhancing its
service offerings to meet the growing demands of the African travel
market.
