Falcon Aerospace Limited, a business aviation company in West Africa, has appointed former Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt Folayele Akinkuotu, as Director and Chairman of its Board of Directors, in a move aimed at strengthening its continental and international expansion drive.
The company said the appointment represents a major milestone in deepening its footprint beyond West Africa into strategic African economic centres while pursuing global growth opportunities and capital mobilisation initiatives.
Speaking on his appointment, Akinkuotu described the development as an opportunity to contribute to the next phase of the company’s growth, stressing the importance of business aviation in driving economic development across the continent.
He said, “I am delighted to join Falcon Aero at such a pivotal moment in its evolution. The company has already rewritten the playbook for business aviation in Nigeria, and our next chapter is firmly focused on bridging the connectivity gap across Africa and the rest of the world.
“Business aviation is a critical economic catalyst for the continent, and together with the Board and executive team, we will ensure Falcon Aero delivers the seamless, safe, and premium aviation mobility that Africa’s leaders and enterprises require.”
Akinkuotu brings more than five decades of aviation experience to the role, having logged over 13,000 hours of jet flying.
His career has spanned airline operations, aviation training institutions and regulatory agencies, including his tenure as Director-General of the NCAA and Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
Welcoming the former aviation regulator, Falcon Aero Chief Executive Officer, Erika Achum, said the appointment was a strategic step designed to position the company for sustained growth across Africa and other international markets.
“We are profoundly honoured to welcome Captain Fola Akinkuotu as our Chairman. His appointment is a strategic decision as we scale our operations across the continent and venture into new international markets. Captain Akinkuotu does not merely bring experience; he embodies the institutional memory and regulatory backbone of African aviation.”
According to her, the aviation veteran’s unique blend of technical, operational and regulatory expertise would provide the company with the strategic leverage required to revolutionise business aviation, strengthen institutional trust, and ensure flawless operational compliance.
Falcon Aero Chief Operating Officer, Tejumade Salami, said the appointment comes at a critical period in the company’s growth trajectory.
“Captain Akinkuotu’s arrival signals a bold new phase for our cross-border ambitions. His appointment comes at a crucial time when our continental expansion requires stronger alignment between corporate agility and stringent international regulatory standards,” she said.
Born in Ondo State in 1951, Akinkuotu began his aviation career at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, before advancing his training in the United States and the United Kingdom. Over the years, he served in key positions at Nigeria Airways, Kabo Airlines, Virgin Nigeria, ADC Airlines and IRS Airlines, and was notably entrusted with piloting Pope John Paul II during the Pontiff’s visit to Nigeria in 1998.
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