VivaJets, the flagship brand of Falcon Aerospace Limited, has urged African leaders to reduce regulatory and operational barriers that hinder air travel and seamless connectivity across the continent.
The Chief Executive Officer of VivaJets, Mr Chukwuerika Achum, made the call while addressing newsmen in Lagos on Monday.
Achum said there is need for improved intra-African air connectivity, as aviation is a key driver of economic integration and growth on the continent.
“It is easier today to fly from Lagos to London than from Lagos to Abidjan”.
He emphasised the inefficiencies and fragmentations plaguing aviation growth within Africa, stating that air travel was prohibitively expensive, infrequent, and operationally cumbersome.
According to him, these bottlenecks are holding back progress across sectors, from trade to tourism to investment.
Achum also spoke on the structural challenges and emerging opportunities in the sector.
”A combination of limited infrastructure, overregulation, and poor collaboration among African states have restricted the ability of airlines, both commercial and private to scale effectively across borders.
“Our skies are still segmented by outdated agreements and policies. What Africa needs is a unified, modern aviation strategy that prioritizes accessibility, innovation, and collaboration,” he said.
Speaking on the readiness of Africa to begin manufacturing aircraft parts locally, Achum said that such ambitions must be guided by market realities.
“You don’t build a manufacturing base just to make a political point,” he said.
“There must be volume. There must be demand. Until intra-African trade and logistics grow significantly, we will not be able to support high-volume, high-tech manufacturing on the continent.”
He, however, urged for the follow-through in policies for sustainable growth in the industry.
“We hear all the right things, but when it’s time to act, nothing happens. Even something as basic as getting a landing permit for a business jet from Lagos to Abidjan can take up to 48 hours.”
He added that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) travel certificate, designed to facilitate free movement within the region, was not recognised in some member states, including Côte d’Ivoire.
He expressed confidence in Africa’s long-term aviation potential.
“We say we want regional integration, yet it’s often easier to fly from Lagos to Paris than Lagos to Abidjan.”
“We are a continent of over 1.4 billion people, with growing cities, industries, and innovation hubs.
“If we get aviation right, we unlock a future where Africans can move, trade, and connect freely; and that future is within reach,” said Achum.
Recall that VivaJets boss had attended the recently concluded Africa CEO Forum held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The forum brought together business leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s aviation sector.