VivaJets, a rising Nigerian business aviation company, has reached a major milestone after being granted its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The certification allows the company to operate commercial flights across 34 African countries, opening up vast opportunities for regional connectivity and trade.
In just two years since its launch, VivaJets has grown its fleet and expanded its route network, setting its sights on transforming air mobility across Africa. Erika Achum, CEO of VivaJets and leader of parent company Falcon Aerospace Limited, views the achievement as a pivotal moment for African aviation.
“If we get aviation right, we unlock a future where Africans can move, trade, and connect freely — and that future is within reach,” Achum said.
Beyond VivaJets, Achum also oversees a dynamic portfolio of aviation and tech-related ventures, including FlyPJX, CharterXE, The Adrenalina, and Instig Labs. His vision centers on reimagining air travel across the continent, not just through innovation but through accessibility and integration.
Speaking at the 2025 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Achum emphasized the urgent need to eliminate outdated aviation policies and restrictions that continue to fragment African airspace.
“Africa needs a unified, forward-thinking aviation strategy — one that breaks down barriers and prioritizes accessibility, innovation, and partnership,” he noted. “We are a continent of over 1.4 billion people, rich in ideas, industries, and energy. Business aviation can be a cornerstone of that transformation.”
Achum believes that better aviation infrastructure will foster deeper economic integration, enable more efficient intra-African trade, and spark innovation through improved mobility.
VivaJets’ newly earned AOC marks a significant leap forward for Nigeria’s aviation industry and reinforces the broader push for a modern, interconnected African airspace.
