Falcon Aerospace Ltd. (Falcon Aero) has appointed former Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, as Chairman of its Board of Directors, signaling a strategic move to strengthen its expansion across Africa and international markets.
The Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Aero, Mr. Erika Achum, disclosed the appointment in a statement on Tuesday, describing Akinkuotu as a seasoned aviation professional whose expertise would guide the company’s next phase of growth.
Achum said the appointment reflects Falcon Aero’s ambition to scale its operations across the continent and beyond, noting that Akinkuotu brings a rare blend of technical, regulatory, and leadership experience.
“We are profoundly honoured to welcome Captain Fola Akinkuotu as our Chairman,” Achum said. “His appointment is a strategic decision as we scale our operations across the continent and venture into new international markets.
“Capt. Akinkuotu does not merely bring experience; he embodies the institutional memory and regulatory backbone of African aviation. His distinguished background provides the strategic leverage required to revolutionise business aviation, strengthen institutional trust, and ensure flawless operational compliance.”
Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of Falcon Aero, Tejumade Salami, described the appointment as a milestone as the company intensifies its expansion beyond West Africa into key economic hubs across the continent.
She noted that Akinkuotu’s leadership would help align the company’s growth ambitions with international regulatory standards.
“His appointment comes at a crucial time when our continental expansion requires stronger alignment between corporate agility and stringent international regulatory standards,” Salami said.
“His chairmanship will serve as a catalyst for broader industry advocacy, demonstrating how private aviation operators can collaborate effectively with regional regulatory frameworks to drive economic growth, strengthen regional connectivity, create high-value jobs, and accelerate seamless market integration across Africa.”
In his acceptance remarks, Akinkuotu expressed enthusiasm about joining Falcon Aero at a pivotal stage in its development.
“I am delighted to join Falcon Aero at such a pivotal moment in its evolution,” he said. “The company has already rewritten the playbook for business aviation in Nigeria, and our next chapter is 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 seamless, safe, and premium aviation mobility for Africa’s leaders and enterprises.”
With over 13,000 flight hours and a career spanning more than five decades, Akinkuotu has held key roles across airlines, aviation institutions, and regulatory agencies.
He previously served as Director-General of the NCAA and as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Born in 1951 in Ondo State, Akinkuotu began his aviation career at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, where he earned his Aircraft Engineer Maintenance License. He later trained as a pilot in the United States, obtaining multiple certifications, including a Commercial Pilot License and an Air Transport Pilot License.
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Throughout his career, he has worked with major airlines including Nigeria Airways, Kabo Airlines, Virgin Nigeria Airlines, ADC Airlines, and IRS Airlines. He notably piloted Pope John Paul II during the Pontiff’s visit to Nigeria in 1998.
Akinkuotu has also held leadership roles such as Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer of IRS Airlines, Director of Flight Operations at Virgin Nigeria, and Rector of the International Aviation College, Ilorin, contributing significantly to the development of aviation professionals in Nigeria.
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