In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, notable shifts have occurred within the Nigerian private aviation sector. It has become widely recognized that business aviation requires restructuring, and there is a gradual change in how Nigerians perceive private air travel.
While the global aviation industry was severely impacted by the pandemic in 2020, the Nigerian private aviation sector is still struggling to bounce back, with estimated losses ranging between $1 billion and $5 billion. According to Chiedu Albinus, the West African Correspondent for African Aerospace, the number of private jets in Nigeria had dropped to less than 100 as of August 2022, down from 146 in August 2015.
The current market scenario reveals that regulatory hurdles and a lack of innovation have thrown the sector into disarray. Challenges related to maintenance infrastructure and the high operational costs have led to the grounding of numerous private aviation operators in Nigeria. Moreover, the prevalence of illegal charter operations by some private jet owners is hindering the growth of business aviation in the country. Concerns also persist regarding substandard flight services and safety risks stemming from inexperienced technical personnel managing various business aviation flights.
Despite these persistent challenges, there has been an uptick in client demand for business aviation services in Nigeria since the pandemic. More Nigerians are opting to fly privately, recognizing that it offers more than just luxury and social status. Funmi Fabunmi, the Managing Director of Leading-Edge Aviation Company, noted in 2023 that flying privately has become a necessity to avoid the delays and uncertainties associated with commercial airlines. The percentage of flight delays in Nigerian airports increased to 21.79% last year, up slightly from 20.67% in 2022. Issues like sudden flight cancellations and safety concerns further compound the challenges faced by commercial airlines in Nigeria.
The surging demand for private jet charter in Nigeria reflects a broader trend. The country boasts the third-largest number of private aviation operators in Africa, trailing only behind South Africa and Kenya. Private air travel, once reserved for government officials and top executives, is now becoming accessible to a segment of Nigeria’s young population. These emerging affluent individuals frequently traverse across continents for international business engagements in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
With a promising growth trajectory on the horizon, the business aviation sector in Nigeria is ripe for revitalization. The International Air Transport Association forecasts a 174% growth in the Nigerian air transport market over the next 20 years. It is expected that the Nigerian private aviation sector will spearhead this growth trajectory. VistaJet’s renewed focus on the West African region, with Nigeria as a key market, raises expectations in alignment with the projected growth potential. As a global leader in business aviation, VistaJet’s reputation is unparalleled.
Private charter passengers in Nigeria will experience a noticeable difference in service quality between VistaJet and other private operators’ aircraft.
VistaJet’s enhanced commitment to the Nigerian market is poised to drive economic growth. Its extensive global network covering 96% of the world across 207 countries and territories is expected to bolster the Nigerian economy by facilitating foreign direct investments and creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
- Philippe Scalabrini serves as VistaJet’s President for Europe and Africa