Falcon Aerospace Limited, operating under the brand name VivaJets, celebrated a significant milestone with the acquisition of its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the company’s two-year journey, transitioning from a fledgling startup to a fully licensed aviation company with a growing fleet, expanding global routes, and strategic international collaborations. The event also served as a platform to unveil ABOVE, the company’s international travel and lifestyle magazine, and showcase the newly designed cabin crew uniforms, further solidifying VivaJets’ commitment to a sophisticated and elevated travel experience. The acquisition of the AOC underscores VivaJets’ dedication to enhancing aviation connectivity within Africa, a key factor they believe is essential for the continent’s economic prosperity.
CEO Chukwuerika Achum emphasized the transformative power of business aviation in driving connectivity and innovation throughout Africa. He highlighted the company’s rapid growth, having started with no fleet or operating license and now possessing a growing fleet, expanding global routes, and fostering international collaborations. A Chum also drew attention to Falcon Aerospace’s diverse portfolio, which includes digital aviation platforms like FlyPJX and CharterXE, a business incubation arm known as The Adrenalina, and the tech firm Instig Labs. This diversified approach showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and comprehensive solutions within the aviation sector. He reiterated the company’s core belief in the vital role of connectivity, both within Africa and with the rest of the world, as a catalyst for the continent’s prosperity
A key driver for VivaJets’ focus on private aviation stems from the challenges faced by commercial aviation in Africa. Achum pointed out the inefficiencies and limitations imposed by policy encumbrances, which often necessitate circuitous routes for even relatively short distances within the continent. He cited the example of a flight from Lagos to Luanda, a mere three-hour journey, requiring a detour through Europe due to these constraints. This highlights the growing demand for private aviation, which offers a more efficient and direct alternative, bypassing the complexities and limitations of commercial air travel within Africa. VivaJets aims to address this demand and contribute to improved connectivity across the continent.
The NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, commended Falcon Aerospace’s journey, acknowledging the company’s resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment as key factors in their success. He emphasized the NCAA’s support for Falcon Aerospace throughout the AOC acquisition process and expressed anticipation for the company’s future achievements. Najomo’s remarks underscore the significance of this milestone and the positive impact it is expected to have on the African aviation landscape.
Chief Operating Officer, Tejumade Salami, echoed the sentiments of accomplishment and attributed their success to the dedication and combined efforts of the VivaJets team. She emphasized the company’s future-oriented approach, focused on continued growth, delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of private aviation in Africa. Salami’s words reflect the company’s commitment to its employees and its ambition to be a driving force in the evolution of private air travel on the continent.
The unveiling of ABOVE magazine and the showcasing of the new cabin crew uniforms further demonstrate Falcon Aerospace’s commitment to providing a premium and culturally relevant travel experience. These initiatives, combined with the acquisition of the AOC, solidify VivaJets’ position as a forward-thinking leader in Africa’s private aviation sector, poised to enhance connectivity, drive innovation, and instill cultural pride within the industry. The company’s vision extends beyond simply providing air travel; it aims to redefine the experience of private aviation in Africa, emphasizing convenience, efficiency, and a deep understanding of the continent’s unique context and needs.
