Nigerian business aviation firm VivaJets has officially secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, marking a significant milestone in its rapid ascent within Africa’s private aviation sector.
The AOC grants VivaJets the authority to operate commercially across 34 African countries that have ratified the Yamoussoukro Decision—a key treaty designed to liberalise air transport and foster a competitive aviation market across the continent. The agreement serves as a foundation for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship initiative of the African Union launched in 2018 to unify and streamline African airspace.
VivaJets, which operates under parent company Falcon Aerospace, has experienced remarkable growth since its inception just two years ago. Headquartered in Lagos, the company offers a broad range of services including aircraft charter, management, sales, and acquisition—catering to an expanding network of clients and destinations.
The company has also emerged as a strong proponent of open skies in Africa. At the 2025 Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, CEO Erika Achum called for urgent reforms to dismantle lingering barriers in African aviation.
“Our skies remain divided by outdated agreements and legacy policies,” said Achum. “Africa needs a unified, forward-looking aviation strategy that champions accessibility, innovation, and collaboration.”
VivaJets continues to highlight the continent’s immense demographic and economic potential, noting that with a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a surge in urbanisation, improved aviation connectivity could become a powerful driver of growth and integration.
“We are a continent of over 1.4 billion people, with rising cities, thriving industries, and innovation hubs. If we get aviation right, we unlock a future where Africans can move, trade, and connect without restriction—and that future is within reach,” Achum added.
Chief Operating Officer Tejumade Salami underscored the company’s ambitions, citing ongoing fleet expansion and the development of new international routes. In April, VivaJets launched Above, its in-house travel publication, and earlier drew attention by unveiling custom cabin crew uniforms at Lagos Fashion Week—a move blending aviation with African design.
“We are privileged to have an exceptionally talented and committed team,” Salami noted. “Looking ahead, our mission is to reach even greater heights—delivering excellence, driving innovation, and shaping the future of private aviation across the African continent.”
With its newly acquired AOC, VivaJets is set to play a pivotal role in the transformation of Africa’s aviation landscape—one flight at a time.
