Conakry to Siguri scheduled service

[Zebiak]

Some friends of mine are thinking about starting a route of Conakry to Siguri, Guinea; possibly triangle route with Accra. Conakry - Siguri seems promising because there's a lot of mining in Siguri and the only way to get to Conakry presently is to follow a horrendous 500 mile dirt road. They would start with a flying Winnebago, or something, and see how it goes. Their access to the Aviation Ministry is sound and they figure they can charge enough to make some money in the process. Is there a fatal flaw in this business model?

[The Ancient Geek]

Problem number one will be getting reliable fuel availability at both ends.
It is JUST in range for a Twotter but you will need to tank up at both ends and still be load limited.

With fuel only available at one end you will need a larger aircraft with a minimum 1200 mile range.

[Melax]

The twotter can only do the Conakry to Siguiri Route R/T and that's pushing it !!you need reserves in case of diversion (Coup d'etat, disabled aircraft, truck on the runway, bad weather, president or his relatives landing, etc... etc...:}). The Triangle you are referring to (Accra) is going to require some heavy iron. I would not bet too much on the contact with the "Aviation ministry". In Africa, it means zero, nada. You must be in very good terms with the top Man:cool: AKA Mr. President and things will workout well :ok:as long as he is in office, and you know that can change at any time. Guinea is not very stable at the moment:E.You will also have to grease many, many hands...:uhoh:

[Aviator 777]

Without too much drama, I think it would be a good route. Depends on the type of aircraft you would like to use. You could also store some fuel in drums if that helps and fuel up in Siguiri. As for alternates, Bamako (despite its problems) is still your safest bet. My advice for you would be a B1900D to taste the waters and then work it from there. Hope that helps!

[Zebiak]

I need to pass on your helpful inputs and see how serious these guys really are.

[forssi]

you guys are about 4 years late as there are two operators in west africa flying daily there..... one of the operators fly's from Conakry, Bamako, Dakar and Accra to Siguiri.

Also, good luck with the Guinee DCA..... its not easy to break into the market if you don't have an AOC already and some contacts in government.