In a significant boost for Nigeria’s aviation sector, TLG Capital has closed a $10 million financing facility for VivaJets, a subsidiary of Falcon Aerospace Limited, in collaboration with Wema Bank.
The transaction, described by both parties as the first internationally structured aviation financing arrangement for a Nigerian Air Operator, will retire an existing local-currency loan used for fleet acquisition while providing the company with fresh momentum for regional expansion.
Nigeria’s aviation industry has long battled with short-term, high-interest loans that hinder sustainable growth. By introducing a dollar-based, long-tenor facility, the deal signals a turning point for operators seeking stability and room to expand intra-African connectivity.
“Falcon Aero is linking cities that global capital often overlooks,” said Isha Doshi, Partner at TLG Capital. “With Wema Bank’s support, we are delivering a long-term financing solution that strengthens Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and supports jobs for engineers, pilots, and skilled workers.”
For Falcon Aero, the relief is immediate. Chief Operating Officer Tejumade Salami described the deal as a breakthrough in resolving a long-standing debt challenge. “Instead of losing a significant portion of our revenue to interest payments, we can now reinvest in service quality and expansion across Africa,” she said.
Wema Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Oluwole Ajimisinmi, highlighted the transaction as a model for future partnerships. “This collaboration leverages TLG’s impact investment expertise and Wema Bank’s strong fiduciary capacity to empower African businesses to thrive at scale,” he noted.
The deal was supported by legal counsel from Wigwe & Partners and Hannaford Turner, while Falcon Aero’s in-house transaction team was led by Wuraola Adetiba, Kayode Adebiyi, and Seun Olajide.
Since its founding in 2022, Falcon Aero has logged over 2,000 flight hours, serving business executives and high-net-worth clients across Africa. With two additional aircraft set to join its fleet this year, the company is positioning itself as a key player in strengthening regional connectivity.
For TLG Capital, which has executed over $230 million in transactions across 20 African countries since 2009, the deal underscores its role as a pioneer in innovative financing. By partnering with Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and creator of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT—the investment blends global expertise with local credibility.
