35+ Years of Excellence
About Aeronai Aviation
From a single charter desk in Lagos to a global aviation powerhouse serving six continents — our story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence.
1989Founded in Lagos
Our Purpose
Mission & Vision
To deliver world-class aviation solutions with unwavering integrity, enabling our clients to achieve their ambitions across every corner of the globe.
Our vision is to be Africa's most trusted aviation group — a company synonymous with safety, innovation, and the kind of personal service that only comes from genuinely caring about the outcome for each client.
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Safety First
Zero-compromise approach to every operation, certification, and maintenance decision.
✈️
Global Reach
1,200+ airports across 195+ countries with local expertise everywhere we operate.
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Excellence
35+ years of delivering the highest standards in every aviation discipline.
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Partnership
Long-term relationships built on transparency, trust, and shared success.
Our Journey
Company History
1989
Founded in Lagos
Aeronai began as a single-aircraft charter operator at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
1989
1994
First MRO Facility
Opened our first EASA-certified maintenance hangar, establishing the technical foundation of the group.
1994
2000
Aviation Academy Launch
Aeronai Training Academy received ICAO approval, beginning the journey to train 5,000+ pilots.
2000
2005
Regional Expansion
Established offices in London and Dubai, extending our network across Europe and the Middle East.
2005
2010
Aircraft Sales Division
Launched dedicated sales and acquisition advisory, facilitating $500M+ in aircraft transactions.
2010
2015
Finance & Consulting
Aeronai Capital formed to provide specialist aviation finance, leasing, and insurance solutions.
2015
2020
Fleet Management
Surpassed 200 aircraft under management with a footprint spanning six continents.
2020
2025
Next Generation
Launched AI-powered operations platform, setting the benchmark for aviation intelligence in Africa.
2025
The People
Leadership Team
Led by aviation professionals with decades of global experience across charter, MRO, training and finance.
EO
Emeka Okafor
Chief Executive Officer
35+ years in aviation. Former Director-General, NCAA. Qualified ATP with type ratings on B737, B777, and A320 families.
AH
Dr. Amina Hassan
Chief Operating Officer
MBA Wharton. Former VP Operations, Emirates Group. Architect of Aeronai's global expansion strategy.
JW
James Whitfield
Chief Commercial Officer
20 years in aviation finance and aircraft transactions. Structured $1B+ in deals across Africa, Europe and Middle East.
SC
Captain Sarah Chen
Director of Training
ATP Airline Transport Pilot. Chief Pilot with 18,000+ flight hours. Head of ICAO-approved training programmes.
IR
Ibrahim Al-Rashid
VP, MRO Operations
EASA Part-66 licensed engineer. 28 years in heavy maintenance for Lufthansa Technik, SR Technics, and Aeronai.
CA
Chioma Adeyemi
Chief Financial Officer
Chartered Accountant. Former Head of Aviation Finance, Standard Bank Africa. Oversees $2B+ in managed assets.
PM
Pierre Moreau
VP, Aircraft Sales
Certified aircraft appraiser. 22 years brokering business jets and commercial aircraft across 45 countries.
NO
Ngozi Obi
General Counsel
LLM Aviation Law, McGill. Specialises in international aviation regulations, AOC certification, and M&A.
Credentials
Certifications & Compliance
EASA Part-145
European Union Aviation Safety Agency — full MRO approval for commercial and private aircraft
FAA Approval
Federal Aviation Administration certified for maintenance and operations
NCAA Certified
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority — full operational certificate
IATA Member
International Air Transport Association registered member since 1995
IS-BAO
International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations registration
ICAO Approved
International Civil Aviation Organization approved training organisation
ISO 9001:2015
Quality management system certified for all operational divisions
EASA Part-147
Approved Maintenance Training Organisation for engineer licensing
EASA Part-21
Design and production organisation approval for modifications
GCAA Certified
General Civil Aviation Authority (UAE) approval for Gulf operations
Recognition
Awards & Accolades
2024
Africa Aviation Award — Charter Operator of the Year
Recognised for excellence in private aviation service delivery across Africa.
2023
IATA Eagle Award — Safety Excellence
Zero incidents across the managed fleet for a fifth consecutive year.
2023
Best MRO Africa — Aviation Week
Voted best Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul facility in sub-Saharan Africa.
2022
Training Organisation of the Year — ICAO
Outstanding contributions to aviation safety education in developing markets.
2022
Africa Finance Deal of the Year — Airfinance Journal
Structured innovative aircraft financing for three African flag carriers.
2021
Top 50 Most Admired Companies in Africa
Recognised by CNBC Africa for corporate governance and community impact.
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