Key Takeaways
• VivaJets received its Air Operator Certificate from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority on June 4, 2025.
• The AOC lets VivaJets operate in 34 African countries under the Yamoussoukro Decision.
• Nigeria’s removal from Cape Town risk list improves financing options for local airlines.
VivaJets Secures Air Operator Certificate: A Turning Point for Nigerian and African Aviation
VivaJets, a leading Nigerian business aviation company operating under Falcon Aerospace Limited, has reached a major milestone by receiving its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. This achievement, confirmed on June 4, 2025, marks a new chapter for both the company and the broader aviation industry in Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Africa. The AOC not only allows VivaJets to operate commercial flights but also positions the company to play a key role in connecting African countries and driving economic growth across the continent.
What Is an Air Operator Certificate and Why Does It Matter?
An Air Operator Certificate, often called an AOC, is an official approval given by a country’s aviation authority—in this case, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. This certificate proves that an airline or aviation company meets strict safety and operational standards. With an AOC, a company can legally use its aircraft for commercial purposes, such as carrying passengers or cargo for hire.
For VivaJets, getting the AOC is a big deal. It means the company can now offer its services not just in Nigeria 🇳🇬, but also in other African countries that have agreed to certain aviation rules. According to CEO Erika Achum, having an African AOC gives VivaJets commercial rights in 34 countries that have signed the Yamoussoukro Decision. This agreement is an important step toward creating a Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which aims to make air travel within Africa easier and more affordable.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority plays a crucial role in this process. As the main regulator for aviation in Nigeria 🇳🇬, the Authority checks that companies like VivaJets follow all safety rules and have the right staff, equipment, and systems in place. You can learn more about the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and its responsibilities by visiting their official website.
VivaJets: Company Background and Services
VivaJets is part of Falcon Aerospace Limited and has quickly become a major player in Africa’s private aviation sector. In just two years, the company has grown its fleet and expanded its routes to include destinations in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. VivaJets offers a wide range of services, including:
- Aircraft charter services: Renting out private jets for individuals, groups, or businesses.
- Aircraft management: Handling the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and scheduling of private aircraft for owners.
- Fractional ownership: Allowing customers to buy a share of an aircraft, making private jet travel more affordable.
- Aircraft sales and acquisition: Helping clients buy or sell private jets.
This broad set of services makes VivaJets attractive to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who needs fast, flexible travel options.
Leadership and Vision
The company’s leadership team is made up of experienced professionals:
- Erika Achum (Chukwuerika Achum) – Chief Executive Officer
- Tejumade Salami – Chief Operating Officer
- Mark Adoga – Head of Flight Operations
CEO Erika Achum has been especially vocal about the need for better air connectivity in Africa. She believes that business aviation can help bring African countries closer together, making it easier for people and goods to move across borders. Achum said, “Our story illustrates the transformative power of business aviation in improving connectivity and innovation across Africa. We believe that Africa’s prosperity lies in connectivity within and with the continent.”
She also pointed out that it is often easier to fly from Lagos to London than from Lagos to Abidjan, even though both cities are in West Africa. This shows how fragmented and inefficient the current aviation system can be.
Timeline of the AOC Acquisition
There have been some mixed reports about when VivaJets actually received its AOC. Some sources say the certificate was awarded in January 2025, while others confirm the official handover happened in June 2025. These differences might be due to the various steps involved in the certification process, such as inspections, paperwork, and final approvals. What matters most is that VivaJets now holds a valid AOC and can operate commercial flights under Nigerian and African regulations.
Africa’s Private Aviation Boom
The timing of VivaJets’ certification is important. Africa is seeing a big increase in private jet flights, with a 15% rise reported over the past year. Nigeria 🇳🇬, South Africa 🇿🇦, and Kenya 🇰🇪 are leading this trend, as more business leaders look for ways to travel quickly and efficiently across the continent.
Several factors are driving this growth:
- Economic expansion: More African companies are doing business across borders.
- Limited commercial flight options: Many routes between African cities are not well served by regular airlines.
- Need for flexibility: Private jets offer on-demand travel, which is important for businesspeople with tight schedules.
VivaJets is well positioned to benefit from these trends, thanks to its new AOC and its focus on innovation.
Policy Changes and Industry Growth in Nigeria 🇳🇬
The Nigerian aviation sector is also going through big changes. Recently, Nigeria 🇳🇬 was removed from the Cape Town Convention aircraft leasing risk list. This means local airlines can now get cheaper, long-term financing for aircraft through “dry lease” agreements, where only the aircraft is leased without crew or services. This change is expected to lower costs and make it easier for Nigerian airlines to grow their fleets.
The federal government is also planning to allow private companies to manage airports. This move, called airport concession, is meant to attract investment, improve infrastructure, and make airport operations more efficient.
VivaJets’ Expansion and Innovation
VivaJets is not just growing its fleet and routes—it is also investing in new ideas and technology. Some of the company’s recent initiatives include:
- Opening a Canadian office to support international operations.
- Participating in global events like the World Economic Forum, Africa CEO Forum, and Invest in Africa Summit.
- Creating digital platforms to make booking and managing private jet travel easier and more affordable.
- Showcasing unique cabin crew uniforms designed by Loza Maleombho at Lagos Fashion Week, blending aviation with African fashion.
- Launching “Above,” a travel magazine in April 2025 to highlight travel trends and destinations.
These efforts show that VivaJets wants to be more than just an airline—it aims to shape the future of private aviation in Africa.
Advocacy for Better Air Travel in Africa
A big part of VivaJets’ mission is to break down the barriers that make air travel within Africa difficult. CEO Erika Achum has spoken at many international events about the need for:
- Better infrastructure: Many airports and air traffic systems in Africa need upgrades.
- Less red tape: Overregulation and outdated rules make it hard for airlines to operate smoothly.
- More cooperation between countries: African states often have different rules and don’t always recognize each other’s travel documents.
- Faster permit processes: Getting landing permits can take up to 48 hours, even for short flights between neighboring countries.
- Recognition of ECOWAS travel certificates: Some West African countries still don’t accept this regional travel document.
Achum has expressed frustration that, while leaders often talk about making things better, real action is slow. She said, “We hear all the right things, but when it’s time to act, nothing happens.”
The Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market
The Yamoussoukro Decision is an agreement among African countries to open up their skies to each other. The goal is to create a Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which would make it easier for airlines to fly between African countries without facing so many restrictions.
With its new AOC, VivaJets can now operate in the 34 countries that have signed this agreement. This gives the company a big advantage and helps push Africa closer to a more connected future.
Implications for Stakeholders
The certification of VivaJets has several important effects for different groups:
For Business Travelers and Entrepreneurs:
– More options for fast, direct flights between African cities.
– Easier access to private jet services for business deals, meetings, and urgent travel needs.
For the Aviation Industry:
– Increased competition, which can lead to better services and lower prices.
– More investment in technology and customer experience.
For African Governments and Policymakers:
– A successful example of how policy changes (like the Yamoussoukro Decision) can help local companies grow.
– Pressure to speed up reforms and improve cooperation between countries.
For the Nigerian Economy:
– More jobs in aviation, tourism, and related industries.
– Improved reputation as a hub for business and innovation.
Challenges Ahead
While VivaJets’ achievement is important, there are still many challenges facing African aviation:
- Infrastructure gaps: Many airports need upgrades to handle more flights and larger aircraft.
- Regulatory hurdles: Different countries have different rules, making it hard for airlines to operate smoothly across borders.
- Slow policy implementation: Agreements like the Yamoussoukro Decision are not always put into practice quickly.
- High costs: Fuel, maintenance, and taxes can make flying expensive.
VivaJets and other companies will need to work closely with governments, regulators, and industry partners to overcome these obstacles.
Looking to the Future
With its AOC in hand, VivaJets has big plans for the future. The company wants to:
- Grow its fleet and add more routes, both within Africa and internationally.
- Form partnerships with other airlines, investors, and technology companies.
- Keep pushing for policy changes that make air travel easier and more affordable.
- Deliver excellent service and set new standards for private aviation in Africa.
The broader Nigerian aviation sector is also expected to see more growth and innovation, thanks to new policies and private sector investment.
Practical Steps for Travelers and Businesses
If you are a business traveler, entrepreneur, or company looking for private jet services in Africa, VivaJets’ new status means you have more choices than ever before. Here’s what you can do:
- Check VivaJets’ website for available routes, services, and booking options.
- Compare services and prices with other private aviation providers.
- Stay informed about new routes and services as the company expands.
- Watch for policy changes that could make travel even easier in the future.
For those interested in the regulatory side, you can find more details about the Air Operator Certificate process and requirements on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s official site.
Conclusion
The awarding of an Air Operator Certificate to VivaJets is a major step forward for Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Africa’s aviation industry. It shows what is possible when companies, regulators, and policymakers work together to improve air travel. As reported by VisaVerge.com, VivaJets’ achievement could help break down long-standing barriers and create new opportunities for business, trade, and tourism across the continent.
As the company continues to grow and push for better policies, travelers and businesses can look forward to a future where flying between African countries is faster, easier, and more affordable. The journey is not over, but VivaJets’ success is a sign that real progress is being made—one flight at a time.
Learn Today
Air Operator Certificate (AOC) → Official approval from aviation authorities allowing commercial aircraft operation under safety and operational standards.
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) → Nigeria’s government agency regulating aviation safety, operations, and certifications.
Yamoussoukro Decision → An African agreement enabling open skies to create a Single African Air Transport Market.
Dry Lease → Aircraft leasing without crew or services, reducing costs for airline financing.
Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) → An initiative to liberalize air transport across Africa for better connectivity and affordability.
This Article in a Nutshell
VivaJets’ Air Operator Certificate marks a breakthrough for Nigerian and African aviation, enabling expanded private jet services across 34 countries under unified regulations, fostering connectivity and economic growth. The certification reflects Africa’s growing private aviation market and policy shifts driving modernization and cross-border travel improvements.
— By VisaVerge.com
