Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Philadelphia.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

Nigerian business aviation company VivaJets has received its air operator certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. This expands its commercial operating rights across 34 African nations that have ratified the Yamoussoukro Decision, a treaty framework intended to liberalize air transport services and promote competitive aviation markets across the continent. The Yamoussoukro Decision is a precursor to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an African Union project launched in 2018 to implement the treaty framework.
Operating under parent company Falcon Aerospace, VivaJets has experienced substantial growth since its establishment two years ago. The Lagos-based operator provides aircraft charter, management, sales, and acquisition services across an expanding route network.
VivaJets has positioned itself as an advocate for continental aviation liberalization, with leadership participating in international forums to promote reduced barriers to African air travel. At the 2025 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, VivaJets CEO Erika Achum&nbsp;called for dismantling existing restrictions that segment African airspace.
“Our skies are still segmented by outdated agreements and policies,” Achum stated. “What Africa needs is a unified, modern aviation strategy that prioritizes accessibility, innovation, and collaboration.”

VivaJets emphasizes Africa’s demographic and economic potential, noting that the continent’s population exceeds 1.4 billion people across growing urban centers and industrial hubs. Improved aviation connectivity would facilitate enhanced trade and movement throughout the region.
“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,” Achum added.
COO Tejumade Salami highlighted the company’s operational expansion, including fleet growth and international route development. In April, VivaJets launched Above, a travel publication, and previously showcased custom cabin crew uniforms at Lagos Fashion Week.
“We have been blessed by the most dedicated and creative 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,” Salami said.

Nigerian Bizav Operator VivaJets Secures Air Operator Certificate

Certificate expands its commercial operating rights across 34 African nations

Nigerian bizav company VivaJets has received its air operator certificate from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, expanding its commercial operating rights.

Nigerian Bizav Operator VivaJets Secures AOC

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Business aviation features make Dispatch and the Mobile app more useful

Jeppesen ForeFlight Adds New Airflow Agents

Charlotte Bailey

Piaggio previewed Avanti NX designs before taking the Evo to NBAA-BACE

Avanti Owners Hold First U.S. Gathering in Galveston

Fabrication of proprietary Aeroberm design now underway in Australia 

Skyportz To Test Full-Scale Vertiport Next Year 

Charles Alcock

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

More operations support data now available, plus options for alerts

Flight Pro International Upgrades Trip-planning Software

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Flights with Alpine Air tested delivery of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals

Beta Tests Electric Airplane as Medical Courier in Utah

Amy Wilder

Platform pairs searchable library with operator-specific notes

Nimbl Brings SelfBrief Airport Briefings to Operators

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Operations

Jeppesen ForeFlight Adds New Airflow Agents

Business aviation features make Dispatch and the Mobile app more useful

Avanti Owners Hold First U.S. Gathering in Galveston

Piaggio previewed Avanti NX designs before taking the Evo to NBAA-BACE

Skyportz To Test Full-Scale Vertiport Next Year

Fabrication of proprietary Aeroberm design now underway in Australia

Flight Pro International Upgrades Trip-planning Software

More operations support data now available, plus options for alerts

Beta Tests Electric Airplane as Medical Courier in Utah

Flights with Alpine Air tested delivery of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals

Nimbl Brings SelfBrief Airport Briefings to Operators

Platform pairs searchable library with operator-specific notes

Jeppesen Launches Initial ForeFlight Airflow AI Agents

First use cases are for airlines, with business aviation and defense to follow

Gulf Bizav Pushes Ahead after Iran War Disruption

MedAire widens regional footprint while MEBAA chairman says December show will go on

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN