Embraer sees ample connectivity opportunities in Africa for smaller jets

Embraer reported (28-Apr-2016) there are "still ample connectivity opportunities within the African region although traffic remains concentrated in the largest cities". Of more than 300 of the region's airports operating in 2015, only eight connected 25 or more cities while 240 airports linked five or less cities. 90% of African city pairs have traffic volumes of up to 300 daily passengers, yet the current fleet is comprised of large capacity aircraft - around 70% of the aircraft in the narrowbody jet fleet have more than 130 seats. Nearly 55% of intra-regional markets do not have direct flights and some 67% of all nonstop markets within the region are served with less than one daily frequency. This is a clear indication of the opportunities for air service expansion and for right capacity aircraft deployment. [more - original PR]