Camair-Co Unveils Ambitious Expansion: Fleet to Grow to 18 Aircraft by 2028
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.
