1. What inspired you to launch Falcon Aerospace, and how has your vision evolved over the years?
Falcon Aerospace Limited was inspired by Africa’s connectivity problem, and we started our flagship brand, VivaJets, with the desire to improve private air travel across Africa and out of Africa. The continent’s infrastructure inadequacies and regulatory bottlenecks are huge encumbrances to commercial aviation. This means that the surest way to get to where you are going at the time you want to be there is to use private aviation. This has led to increased demand for business aviation here and I saw a huge gap in the availability of hassle-free, luxurious, and reliable private aviation options on the continent.
Our vision has evolved from just providing aircraft to building a platform that connects the dots for clients; from jet booking to end-to-end travel logistics. This is evident in the development of platforms like CharterXE and FlyPJX, which aim to ease business jet booking and offer charter per seat services. Today, we’re not just flying jets; we’re now a yardstick that represent Africa’s potential in global luxury aviation.
We have also evolved into providing several complimentary aviation services such as aircraft maintenance, and sales and acquisition. We understand that technology innovation and collaborations are critical to achieving our vision and we have decided to be at the forefront of business innovations in Africa, either within or outside the aviation space. This led us to start Adrenalina, a co-working and business incubation outfit, and Instig Labs, an AI research and education firm.
2. How do FlyPJX and CharterXE enhance the private jet experience for clients?
CharterXE and FlyPJX are digital platforms that we are building to enhance the efficiency and comfort of air travel on a large scale. CharterXE provides remote access to aircraft booking for private aviation clients, giving them total control and exclusivity. FlyPJX offers clients the ability to book private jet seats on shared flights, making luxury travel more accessible, efficient and affordable. Together, they will provide flexibility and scalability, even if it is a client that needs a full aircraft or just a seat.
Whilst still under development, these two platforms will significantly impact the private aviation industry in Africa.
3. What strategies have been key to Falcon Aerospace’s rapid growth in the luxury aviation sector?
Our growth has been fueled by a client-first mindset, tech-driven innovation, and strategic partnerships across key regions. From the onset, a core business objective has been to make private aviation more accessible, efficient and connected. We’ve invested in infrastructure, talent, and digital tools to simplify the user journey. We’ve also worked hard to understand the specific needs of African and global clients, tailoring services that meet both regional expectations and international standards.
A critical part of our business strategy involves international collaborations and engagements, alongside advocacy for free aviation and business connectivity. For instance, we recently partnered with Flybird Aviation to launch OrientJets, an international private aviation firm based in Aruba. Also, within the last two years, we have participated at the World Economic Forum, Africa CEO Forum (ACF), Africa Air Forces Forum, Invest in Africa Summit, and the African Investment Summit (AFIS) amongst others.
In our operations, we have placed a strong emphasis on integrating digital technology with tailored service delivery to enhance the booking and travel experience. Our focus on innovation also extends to our tech and business incubation arms, Instig Labs and The Adrenalina, which are currently doing amazing things.
4. How does Falcon Aerospace personalize the luxury travel experience for high-net-worth clients?
It starts with listening. Every client has a different story, and we use those stories to tailor everything, from in-flight catering and entertainment to bespoke concierge services. Our team anticipates needs and ensures each journey reflects the client’s lifestyle, preferences, and schedule. It’s not just about the jet; it’s about the journey.
At VivaJets, we have a mantra; “Own your Journey”. This reflects our belief that private aviation should be truly private and reflective of individual needs and preferences. Our goal is to deliver a personalized service that fits the client’s exact needs, making every journey truly exceptional.
5. What leadership principles have guided your success in building a world-class aviation brand?
I believe in vision, innovation, resilience, and empathy. Leading with clarity of purpose allows the team to align and helps in shaping our perception for clients, partners and other stakeholders.
My obsession with innovation is also a guiding principle, which has led to pushing the boundaries of how private aviation is accessed and experienced. Resilience helps us overcome the inevitable challenges of a dynamic industry. And empathy toward clients, employees, and partners has helped us build strong, trusted relationships that fuel our growth.
6. What challenges and opportunities do you see for private aviation in Africa, and how is Falcon Aerospace addressing them?
Private aviation in Africa presents a landscape of both significant challenges and immense opportunities. As African businesses expand across the continent and non-Africans fly into Africa for business and tourism, the demand for efficient, flexible, and secure private air travel is surging. The African business aviation market is projected to reach $2.14 billion by 2030, driven by an 11.98% compound annual growth rate.
A major hurdle is the lack of a unified, modern aviation strategy across African states. Outdated agreements and policies segment the skies, making it difficult for airlines, both commercial and private, to scale effectively across borders. For instance, the ECOWAS travel certificate is not always recognized in all member states. It is unfortunate that flights to European cities are often cheaper and faster than flights between some African cities. Other problems include infrastructure gap, high operating costs and difficulty in accessing funding for indigenous operators.
The opportunity lies in connecting under-served regions and providing reliable, premium mobility. Falcon Aerospace is bridging this gap with scalable digital solutions and alliances that improve access and simplify the experience. We have also been at the forefront of advocacy for free aviation. Recently at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Cote D’ Ivoire, I called for the reduction of barriers to air travel in Africa and canvassed for a unified, modern aviation strategy that prioritizes accessibility, innovation, and collaboration.
7. With the rise of AI and automation, how do you see technology transforming private aviation in the next decade?
Technology will be a game-changer. Starting from AI-driven customer service to predictive maintenance and smart flight routing, efficiency and safety will improve significantly. AI algorithms can analyze vast datasets, including real-time weather, air traffic, and operational parameters, to calculate the most efficient flight paths. This leads to significant fuel savings and reduced flight times. Other ways AI will impact aviation include fleet and crew scheduling, air traffic management, and booking.
At Falcon Aerospace, we are already integrating these ideas to stay ahead. The future is about intelligent luxury where convenience meets up-to-date innovation. With our digital platforms, we aim to stay at the cutting edge of customer access and experience in the future. Our tech arm, Instig Labs, is also doing research into AI innovations whilst investing into educational programs that are developing talents for the future AI world.
8. What do you think defines true luxury in private aviation today?
True luxury is personalization, discretion, and seamless service. It’s not just plush seats and champagne; it’s knowing your preferences are anticipated, your time is respected, and your experience is effortless. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to at Falcon Aerospace.
9. Can you share a memorable experience where Falcon Aerospace delivered exceptional service that exceeded a client’s expectations?
One of our clients had an emergency medical situation that required international evacuation under tight timelines. Within hours, we mobilized a specialized aircraft, medical personnel, and coordinated with international agencies. Not only did we deliver on time, but the client wrote a heartfelt letter about how we quite literally saved a life. That’s the power of service with purpose.
10. With environmental responsibility becoming a key focus in aviation, how is Falcon Aerospace addressing sustainability while maintaining luxury?
Sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive, they can and must coexist. Environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly critical in aviation, and private aviation, despite its smaller carbon footprint compared to commercial airlines, faces pressure to demonstrate sustainability. We are addressing this complex challenge by focusing on operational efficiencies and exploring avenues for sustainable practices, while ensuring luxury standards remain uncompromised. At work, the values of diversity, inclusion and equity are an integral part of corporate culture. Women make up over 40 percent of our work force and we keep incorporating more policies that promote work-life balance.
Furthermore, we have been one of the loudest voices in advocating for free aviation across Africa. With improvement in infrastructure and regulatory framework, alongside digital innovations that maximize efficiency, airplanes will take shorter routes to their destinations, consuming less fuel and ultimately reducing their carbon emissions.
11. What can clients expect from Falcon Aerospace in the coming years any exciting new services, partnerships, or fleet expansions?
We’re rapidly expanding our fleet, building up our work force, and scaling up our operations to expand into more global regions including North America, Europe and the Middle-East. We are also entering into strategic international partnerships to gain access to market information, stakeholder networks and finance.
Currently, we own 3 aircraft and we are looking at expanding to 8 before the end of the year. We are currently seeking to raise $25 million in debt to support these acquisitions.
In the coming years, clients can expect a significantly expanded, more accessible, and technologically advanced private aviation experience from Falcon Aerospace, driven by our ambitious growth strategy and commitment to innovation. Expect more convenience, greater access to aircraft, and new value-added services that redefine what it means to fly private in and out of Africa.
12. When you’re not leading Falcon Aerospace, how do you spend your time, and what fuels your passion for aviation?
I spend time with my family, read extensively, and travel to stay inspired. My passion for aviation is fueled by the possibilities it creates; connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. Every flight we operate brings someone closer to their dream, and that keeps me motivated every day.