VivaJets reveals plans to ramp up operations having secured AOC earlier this year
Nigerian business aviation firm, VivaJets, which was awarded its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in January, now has its eyes on becoming the “largest and most efficient business aviation provider in Africa.”
The certification will enable VivJets to operate commercial charter flights in compliance with global aviation safety standards. It follows two years of growth for the startup, which provides a range of private aviation services, including aircraft management, fractional ownership options, charter services, sales and acquisition services for West Africa’s aviation market. With the AOC, VivaJets plans to expand its fleet and routes, offering greater choice for passengers on local routes while further strengthening its presence in the international business aviation sector.
Championing unrestricted air travel across Africa
According to VivaJets CEO, Erika Achum, having an African AOC also gives the firm commercial rights into 34 African countries that have backed the Yamoussoukro Decision, a precursor to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Achum has been an outspoken advocate for the reduction of continental barriers to air travel across the continent in line with the introduction of SAATM. “We believe that Africa’s prosperity lies in connectivity within and with the continent,” said VivaJets CEO, Erika Achum. “Our story illustrates the transformative power of business aviation in improving connectivity and innovation across Africa.”
During the 2025 Africa CEO Forum (ACF) in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire in May, Achum called for the urgent dismantling of long-standing barriers to air travel within the continent, emphasising that aviation is a key driver of economic integration and growth on the continent.
“Our skies are still segmented by outdated agreements and policies,” he said. “What Africa needs is a unified, modern aviation strategy that prioritises accessibility, innovation and collaboration.”
He also underlined the vast potential of Africa’s aviation sector, highlighting that with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, a fast-growing middle class, and expanding urban areas and industries, aviation could “unlock a future where Africans can move, trade, and connect freely — and that future is within reach.”
Increasing demand for business aviation in Africa
Achum was joined by VivaJet’s chief operating officer, Tejumade Salami, who added that “with the award of the AOC, Falcon Aerospace [under which VivaJets operates] continues to prove its position as a forward-thinking leader in Africa’s private aviation sector, bringing in new levels of connectivity, innovation and cultural pride.”
VivaJets certification comes at a time when Africa’s private aviation industry is witnessing a boom with private jet flights across the continent increasing by 15% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA). It credits the expanding business hubs in cities such as Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi for this growth.
There are currently over 400 business jets in Africa, according to the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), with this number expected to grow by 8% annually over the next five years.
