Nigerian aviation firm VivaJets targets Francophone Africa expansion

Nigerian private aviation company VivaJets is expanding into Francophone Africa, targeting new markets and business partnerships as it grows its fleet to 10 aircraft with financial backing from London-based TLG Capital.

The company, a subsidiary of Falcon Aero founded by Nigerian aviation entrepreneur Chukwuerika Achum, is seeking to strengthen regional connectivity and expand its private charter services across French-speaking West and Central Africa.

VivaJets recently participated in the fifth UK-West and Central Francophone Africa Trade and Investment Forum (WCAF V) in Conakry, Guinea, where government officials, investors, businesses and international partners explored commercial and investment opportunities across the region.

The expansion comes just over a year after the company obtained its Air Operator Certificate, with its fleet now comprising eight aircraft.

VivaJets has also secured two rounds of credit investment from London-based TLG Capital to support its fleet expansion and broader growth strategy.

Chief Executive Officer, Erika Achum, said Francophone Africa presented significant opportunities for improving regional connectivity and facilitating the movement of people, ideas and investments.

She said the company intended to position itself as a trusted aviation partner to businesses and institutions driving commercial activities across African markets.

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The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Tejumade Salami, said the expansion was not merely about increasing the number of aircraft but also building operational capacity, strengthening service delivery and developing strategic partnerships.

Similarly, its Head of Growth and Innovation, Basil Agbor, described the Conakry forum as an opportunity to understand regional markets and establish relationships with potential business partners.

VivaJets expects to add two aircraft to its existing fleet of eight before the end of 2026, bringing its total fleet to 10.

The company has also recorded more than 2,000 flight hours since commencing operations, providing an operational foundation for its planned entry into additional African markets.

The expansion comes amid growing demand for private aviation services among African businesses seeking corporate travel, executive transportation and access to destinations with limited commercial airline connections.

However, establishing a sustainable presence in Francophone Africa will require the company to secure relationships with governments, corporate clients and institutions capable of generating consistent demand for charter services.

The two rounds of financing from TLG Capital are expected to support the investment required for aircraft acquisition, operational infrastructure and market development.

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Lagos, VivaJets operates under Falcon Aerospace Limited, the aviation group established by Achum.

Falcon Aerospace’s portfolio also includes FlyPJX and CharterXE, platforms developed to serve different segments of the private aviation and aircraft charter market.

Beyond aviation, Achum leads The Adrenalina, a startup incubator, and Instig Labs, a technology company focused on developing digital infrastructure.

The expansion into Francophone Africa represents another step in the group’s ambition to build a pan-African aviation business, although its ability to translate its growing fleet, external financing and regional partnerships into sustained commercial operations will determine its competitiveness in the continent’s business aviation market.