Falcon Aero taps former NCAA boss Fola Akinkuotu to drive capital, expansion strategy

Falcon Aerospace Limited (Falcon Aero), a leading business aviation firm in West Africa, has appointed Folayele Akinkuotu, veteran pilot, aircraft engineer and seasoned aviation administrator, as Director and Chairman of its Board of Directors.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for Falcon Aero as the company accelerates its expansion beyond West Africa into key African economic hubs while intensifying its international growth and capital mobilisation strategy.

Commenting on his appointment, Captain Fola Akinkuotu 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.”

With over 13,000 hours of logged jet flying, Captain Akinkuotu’s aviation career spans more than five decades across airlines, aviation institutions, and industry regulators.

He previously served as Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and, more recently, as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

“We are profoundly honoured to welcome Captain Fola Akinkuotu as our Chairman,” said Erika Achum, Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Aero.

“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. His distinguished background as a pilot, engineer, and apex regulator provides us with the strategic leverage required to revolutionise business aviation, strengthen institutional trust, and ensure flawless operational compliance.”

Born in 1951 in Ondo State, Akinkuotu began his aviation journey at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, where he obtained his Aircraft Engineer Maintenance License (A & C).

He later transitioned into piloting at the Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in Oakland, California, earning a Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating, and Flight Engineer’s License for the Turbojet Boeing 727.

He further strengthened his professional credentials with an Air Transport Pilot License from Sunnyside Aviation Academy, New York; a Certificate in Total Quality Management from Lagos Business School; and a Type Rating Instructor certification from Oxford Aviation Academy, United Kingdom.

Akinkuotu has had a distinguished flying and leadership career across Nigeria Airways, Kabo Airlines, Virgin Nigeria Airlines, ADC Airlines, and IRS Airlines. Notably, he was entrusted with the historic honour of piloting Pope John Paul II during the Pontiff’s pastoral visit to Nigeria in 1998.

Beyond his cockpit achievements, Akinkuotu successfully led IRS Airlines as Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer, headed pilots and flight crew operations at Virgin Nigeria as Director of Flight Operations, and contributed to the development of future aviation professionals as Rector of the International Aviation College, Ilorin.

“Captain Akinkuotu’s arrival signals a bold new phase for our cross-border ambitions,” added Tejumade Salami, Chief Operating Officer of Falcon Aero.

“His appointment comes at a crucial time when our continental expansion requires stronger alignment between corporate agility and stringent international regulatory standards.

“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.”