ValueJet, a Nigerian airline, has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance passenger experience.With the launch, the airline has become the first carrier in Africa to deploy a full-scale AI-powered digital concierge for customer service.

A statement on Tuesday by the Managing Director of ValueJet, Omololu Majekodunmi, said that the new technology, VIKI was launched on Monday in Lagos.

According to Majekodunmi, the technology was meant to simplify how passengers access flight services. The innovation allows passengers to book flights, manage and modify reservations, check in online, receive real-time travel updates and obtain travel information through popular messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

VIKI is both text- and voice-enabled and can respond verbally to voice commands, a feature aimed at improving accessibility, particularly for visually impaired passengers.

With the system, Majekodunmi emphasised that essential travel processes could be completed within minutes without visiting the airport or navigating traditional airline websites. He added that the introduction of AI reflected the airline’s commitment to innovation with practical impact.

According to the airline, the initiative addresses major challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including delays in service delivery, accessibility issues, and the need for faster customer support.

Also speaking, Head of Business Program and IT at ValueJet, Temitope Ajijola, described the development as a major milestone in the airline’s digital transformation journey.

He pointed out that the goal of the airline had always been to make flight booking as seamless and intuitive as possible. Chief Commercial Officer of ValueJet, Trevor Henry, said the launch marked a new phase in how the airline connects with its customers.

The launch of VIKI follows Valuejet’s earlier internal deployment of TOPS (Trusted Operations Policy Support), an AI assistant developed to support staff operations.