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Falcon Aero, a Nigerian aviation company founded by Chukwuerika Achum, has secured a $10 million financing facility for its subsidiary, VivaJets. The deal, supported by London-based TLG Capital and Wema Bank, is one of the few internationally structured aviation financings for a Nigerian air operator.
The funding, announced Wednesday on The Condia website, will help VivaJets retire existing debt, expand its fleet, and strengthen its role in connecting regional hubs across Africa. TLG Capital, which has executed more than $230 million in deals across 20 African countries since 2009, worked with Wema Bank to arrange the dollar-denominated facility.
VivaJets secures long-term dollar financing
Falcon Aero’s Chief Operating Officer, Tejumade Salami, said the financing gives VivaJets the room to focus on improving operations and customer service while lowering interest costs. “In our industry, access to long-term, U.S. dollar financing is essential,” Salami said. “This facility allows us to clear legacy obligations and focus on providing a smooth, reliable experience for clients across the region.”
Isha Doshi, a partner at TLG Capital, said the transaction highlights the role of air connectivity in Africa’s economic growth, particularly for secondary cities that are often overlooked by global investors but are seeing rising trade and business activity. Wema Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Oluwole Ajimisinmi, added that the partnership helps close Africa’s financing gap while keeping risk under control.
Fleet expansion underway this year
Founded in 2022, Falcon Aero is the parent company of VivaJets, FlyPJX, and CharterXE. The company holds a Nigerian Air Operator Certificate and offers aircraft charter, management, and acquisition services to executives, businesses, and high-net-worth individuals. VivaJets has logged more than 2,000 flight hours. Its fleet is set to grow, with two additional aircraft expected this year.
Achum, who has spent years building a pan-African aviation platform, has positioned Falcon Aero as a leading private air travel provider in the region. Beyond Nigeria, the company is preparing to expand into East Africa, with Rwanda chosen as a launch point for its regional operations. Falcon Aero combines aviation services with business incubation and tech ventures through entities including The Adrenalina and Instig Labs, creating a broad platform to support both travel and enterprise across the continent.
