ValueJet becomes first African airline to deploy scalable AI concierge

ValueJet has officially launched VIKI, an AI-powered digital concierge designed to transform how passengers access flight services, making it the first airline in Africa to deploy such technology at scale.

VIKI is a multilingual, text- and voice-enabled AI assistant that responds verbally to voice commands, offering enhanced accessibility for visually impaired users.

Through popular messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, passengers can book and manage flights, modify reservations, check in online, receive real-time travel updates, and access support services, completing essential travel tasks in minutes without visiting the airport or navigating traditional websites.

To access VIKI, users simply save the number to their device and begin chatting.

“At ValueJet, innovation must lead to real impact,” said Omololu Majekodunmi, Managing Director of ValueJet. “VIKI is more than a digital tool, she’s a symbol of our ambition to build smarter, safer, and more seamless experiences for travellers across Africa. This is just the beginning.”

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ValueJet is the first airline in Africa to deploy an AI concierge of this scale, addressing key challenges in the Nigerian aviation market, particularly speed, convenience, and accessibility.

The launch forms part of the airline’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at delivering seamless and customer-centric travel experiences.
Mr. Temitope Ajijola, Head of Business Program and IT, added, “From day one, our goal at ValueJet has been to make flight booking as seamless and intuitive as possible. With VIKI, we’ve taken that vision to a new level. This is a major leap in our digital transformation, enabling faster, smarter service while opening new opportunities for customer engagement across digital platforms. We’re proud to be leading this innovation in African aviation.”

“Interacting with VIKI feels like chatting with a trusted friend,” Ajijola added. “You simply type something like, ‘Viki, I need a direct flight to Abuja tomorrow,’ and she’ll guide you through options, let you choose your seat, pay, and send your boarding pass, all in minutes.”

Beyond bookings, VIKI enables passengers to check in seamlessly and receive digital boarding passes, modify existing reservations with ease, and obtain instant answers to questions on baggage allowances, fare rules, and other travel-related inquiries, delivering a true self-service experience with no hold times, no phone calls, and no need for customer service agents.

“This launch marks a significant leap in how we connect with our passengers, delivering greater speed, flexibility, and control over their journey,” said Trevor Henry, Chief Commercial Officer of ValueJet.

This move is part of ValueJet’s wider digital transformation roadmap, following the internal success of TOPS (Trusted Operations Policy Support), its AI assistant for staff. Now, with VIKI, ValueJet takes its AI leadership public, delivering smart, multilingual, and on-demand travel support to every passenger.