ValueJet receives its AOC
Established in 2018, ValueJet previously operated as a virtual airline, organising its flights in collaboration with other Nigerian domestic carriers. It now has operational autonomy.
ValueJet can finally take to the skies. The new Nigerian private airline obtained its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) on Thursday 21 September 2022. The sesame was handed over today in Abuja by the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Musa Nuhu.
ValueJet will start operations from its base in Lagos, serving Abuja, Asaba, Benin, Jos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola. Ultimately, the airline aims to "fill the niche in the growing air transport and cargo markets in Nigeria and the African sub-regions".
Its launch fleet comprises three CRJ900s (MSN 15113, 15117, 15080), two of which are owned and one of which is a long term lease.
ValueJet is owned by Nigerian billionaire and politician Kunle Soname. Also a sports enthusiast, he is the chairman of Bet9ja, a betting site he founded in 2013. He is also the first Nigerian to acquire a European club CD Feirense (Portuguese second division) which he bought in 2015.
The Nigerian sky is getting denser...
Once in the air, ValueJet will enter a fairly competitive domestic market where there are already a dozen local companies, namely Arik Air, Air Peace, Dana Air, Med-View, Aero Contractors, Overland, First Nation, Azman Air, Max Air, Ibom Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Green Africa. Others such as Xejet and ChanChangi Airlines have also obtained their AOC.
Last year, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) indicated that about 20 AOC applications are also under consideration. Among the expected new carriers are Obike Air, Binani Air, Cally Air and Kanem Air. The federal government, on the other hand, is actively preparing for the launch of its national flag carrier, Nigeria Air. Another state-owned carrier, Nigeria Eagle (NG Eagle), is also under consideration although the process has been disrupted by several oppositions.
