FlyWestAf: West Africa's first low-cost airline takes shape
In such a crisis, if some are tempted to abdicate, others see it more as an opportunity. This is the case of Richard Powell, the co-founder and managing director of the emerging carrier FlyWestAf. His team is currently finalizing the procedures for the launch of the first low-cost airline in West Africa.
Banjul International Airport in The Gambia will serve as an operational base for the newcomer to the West African skies. “We expect to start our activities in May 2021 but that could change with the current situation."
The carrier has been refining its business plan for several years. A diversity of profiles are mixed around the project, bringing together a wealth of experience in the air transport sector. We find the Franco-Algerian Chakib Mohamed Ziani Cherif, airline pilot; the Senegalese Ousmane Niang, specialist in airport operations, and the American Hamish Davidson, expert in restructuring and company management.
The covid-19 pandemic has led to a drop in the market value of planes. This gave FlyWestAf the opportunity to optimize its costs, particularly in building up its initial fleet. “Updating our business plan to increase the number of planes and routes has been the biggest change for our airline,” said Richard Powell.
FlyWestAf plans to operate a seamless fleet of five Dash8-400s. “We are also considering the introduction of a Combi aircraft to support cargo operations."
After an in-depth study of the market, the promoters opted for the development of the network in a “hub and spoke” configuration, centered on the Banjul platform. From there, FlyWestAf will initially serve nine major West African destinations, located a maximum of two hours away. These are Dakar, Bissau, Conakry, Freetown, Abidjan, Monrovia, Praia and Bamako.
The Director General is well aware that the revival of post-Covid-19 traffic will be slow in West Africa, but he believes in the potential of the region which has more than 390 million inhabitants. “We have reduced our initial load factor estimates but our marketing strategy based on the needs of West African customers will allow us to grow the market. We are not dependent on international passengers. ”
In order to distinguish itself from traditional companies, the team is focusing on increased use of new technological and digital solutions for a better customer experience. “We are entering with an innovative and flexible strategy. We can adapt to market needs while managing risk with the exploitation of technology. "
For Richard Powell, West Africa is already well integrated in terms of the movement of goods and people. The air transport environment will improve further with the African Continental Free Trade Area (Zlecaf) and the Single Air Transport Market (MUTAA), which is being operationalized, he believes. "But African governments must now cut taxes to encourage airlines."
Banjul International Airport in The Gambia will serve as an operational base for the newcomer to the West African skies. “We expect to start our activities in May 2021 but that could change with the current situation."
The carrier has been refining its business plan for several years. A diversity of profiles are mixed around the project, bringing together a wealth of experience in the air transport sector. We find the Franco-Algerian Chakib Mohamed Ziani Cherif, airline pilot; the Senegalese Ousmane Niang, specialist in airport operations, and the American Hamish Davidson, expert in restructuring and company management.
The covid-19 pandemic has led to a drop in the market value of planes. This gave FlyWestAf the opportunity to optimize its costs, particularly in building up its initial fleet. “Updating our business plan to increase the number of planes and routes has been the biggest change for our airline,” said Richard Powell.
FlyWestAf plans to operate a seamless fleet of five Dash8-400s. “We are also considering the introduction of a Combi aircraft to support cargo operations."
After an in-depth study of the market, the promoters opted for the development of the network in a “hub and spoke” configuration, centered on the Banjul platform. From there, FlyWestAf will initially serve nine major West African destinations, located a maximum of two hours away. These are Dakar, Bissau, Conakry, Freetown, Abidjan, Monrovia, Praia and Bamako.
The Director General is well aware that the revival of post-Covid-19 traffic will be slow in West Africa, but he believes in the potential of the region which has more than 390 million inhabitants. “We have reduced our initial load factor estimates but our marketing strategy based on the needs of West African customers will allow us to grow the market. We are not dependent on international passengers. ”
In order to distinguish itself from traditional companies, the team is focusing on increased use of new technological and digital solutions for a better customer experience. “We are entering with an innovative and flexible strategy. We can adapt to market needs while managing risk with the exploitation of technology. "
For Richard Powell, West Africa is already well integrated in terms of the movement of goods and people. The air transport environment will improve further with the African Continental Free Trade Area (Zlecaf) and the Single Air Transport Market (MUTAA), which is being operationalized, he believes. "But African governments must now cut taxes to encourage airlines."
Source: newsaero
