Nigerian carrier, ValueJet, is set to expand its fleet with the introduction of Boeing aircraft.

The airline in a statement yesterday said that the introduction of Boeing aircraft was part of its effort at increasing capacity, strengthen its regional operations and position the airline for wider connectivity across Africa.

The acquisition of Boeing aircraft is coming after its successful operations with the Bombardier CRJ aircraft, which have supported its domestic and regional expansion since it commenced commercial operations.

The Managing Director of ValueJet, Omololu Majekodunmi, said the move would enable it to accommodate more passengers and cargo, operate longer routes and respond to the growing demand for air travel within Nigeria and across the African continent.

Majekodunmi, also said that the fleet expansion was a defining moment in the company’s journey, noting that the introduction of the Boeing aircraft would open a new chapter for the carrier.

According to him, ValueJet has remained focused on building a safe, reliable and customer-oriented airline since its entry into the market, adding that the transition to Boeing aircraft was being supported by investments in manpower development and technical capacity.

He said: “The arrival of Boeing aircraft into our fleet represents an exciting new chapter for ValueJet. Since commencing operations with our CRJ aircraft, we have remained focused on building a safe, reliable, and customer-centric airline.

“As we prepare to induct the Boeing aircraft, we are also investing in our people by ensuring our engineers receive world-class training that will enable us to maintain the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence. This investment positions us for the next phase of our growth and reinforces our commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience.”

According to Majekodunmi, as part of preparations for the fleet upgrade, ValueJet’s aircraft maintenance engineers are already undergoing intensive technical training on Boeing aircraft in Lagos.

The training, delivered by Boeing through its partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, focuses on the Boeing 737 Next Generation (737NG), covering aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, safety standards and operational best practices.

The airline said the training would equip its engineers with the required expertise to maintain the new aircraft type in line with global aviation standards, including European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.

Also speaking, Chairman of ValueJet, Adekunle Soname, said the introduction of Boeing aircraft was not just a fleet expansion programme, but a strategic investment aimed at supporting the airline’s long-term growth ambitions.

With the planned arrival of the Boeing aircraft, ValueJet is targeting expansion into more African destinations, including Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, Libreville in Gabon, Douala in Cameroon, as well as cities in Kenya and South Africa.

The airline said the new routes would form part of its strategy to strengthen intra-African connectivity and provide passengers with more travel options.