Falcon Aerospace Limited, through its flagship brand, VivaJets, has stated that the airline strongly believes that Africa’s prosperity lies in aviation connectivity within the continent.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Chukwuerika Achum, stated this during the celebration of its Air Operator’s Certificate issued to it by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, saying,
The occasion, which was held in Lagos, also saw the grand unveiling of its international travel and lifestyle magazine named ABOVE, alongside the exhibition of its newly designed cabin crew uniforms.
According to the airline’s boss, in just two years, Falcon Aerospace has grown from a visionary start-up with no fleet and no operating licence into a fully licensed aviation company with a growing fleet, expanding global routes, international collaborations, and pioneering innovations.
He also stated that the company now boasts digital aviation platforms, FlyPJX and CharterXE, as well as tech and business incubation arms, Instig Labs and The Adrenalina.
While reflecting on the journey of the airline, 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.
“Two years ago, we launched Falcon Aerospace Limited and its flagship brand, VivaJets, with the mission of building Africa’s premier private aviation brand. Falcon Aerospace Limited is the brand owner of aviation services outfit, VivaJets; digital platforms, FlyPJX and CharterXE; business incubation outfit, The Adrenalina; and tech firm, Instig Labs.
“In the beginning, we had no fleet and no Air Operating Certificate, but we believed stubbornly in our dream. Today, we are fully licensed by the NCAA, with a growing fleet that has expanded into global routes whilst we forge international collaborations and pioneer innovations. Tonight, we celebrate not just these milestones, but our partners, our team, and everyone who has been a part of our journey.
“We believe that Africa’s prosperity lies in connectivity within and with the continent. With infrastructural disadvantages and a combination of geopolitical and language barriers, it has been difficult to facilitate the mobility and regional integration needed to push our continent into global competitiveness.
“While commercial aviation has provided vital mobility, its efficiency has been hampered by policy encumbrances. For instance, a commercial flight from Lagos to Luanda (3 hours apart), will have to make a detour in Europe en route. This is why the demand for private aviation continues to grow in Africa,” he said.
Also in his remarks, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo commended Falcon Aerospace’s journey.
“Today, we celebrate history being made. Falconaero’s journey is proof that with resilience, vision, and commitment, success is inevitable.
“From the NCAA side, we are proud to have supported them through this process. This AOC is only the beginning, we look forward to seeing even greater things,” he stated.
Expressing his joy, the Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Tejumade Salami, paid tribute to the team’s collective efforts, saying, “Tonight is a celebration of what is possible when passion meets purpose.
“Our journey has been built on the shoulders of an extraordinary team, and as we look to the future, we are committed to scaling even greater heights, delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of private aviation in Africa,” she said.
Salami added, “Finally, with the award of its AOC and the unveiling of ABOVE magazine, Falcon Aerospace 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.”
