ValueJet launches Viki, Africa’s first AI Concierge

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The African aviation industry is undergoing a revolutionary shift with ValueJet’s introduction of VIKI, an AI-driven digital concierge that marks a first-of-its-kind innovation in the continent’s airline operations. The launch is set to establish a new standard for how travellers book, manage, and interact with flight services, delivering unmatched efficiency and ease for air travel across Africa.

Named VIKI, the platform harnesses cutting-edge multilingual AI to deliver a fluid user experience via voice and text interactions. Seamlessly connected to widely used messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, it enables users to communicate in their chosen language and on their preferred platform. 

Travel News Africa reports that with VIKI, travellers can now handle key tasks, from reserving flights and modifying bookings to checking in online, receiving live updates, and resolving queries instantly, without stepping foot in an airport or wrestling with cumbersome websites.

Beyond boosting convenience, this advancement greatly expands accessibility, particularly for those with visual impairments. Through verbal responses to spoken commands, VIKI empowers all passengers, irrespective of physical challenges, to oversee their trips autonomously and effectively. This represents a major stride toward promoting inclusivity in African aviation, where digital accessibility has frequently lagged behind international norms.

VIKI’s arrival aligns perfectly with the evolving demands of Nigeria’s aviation scene, where passengers seek faster, more convenient, and self-directed journeys. Temitope Ajijola, Head of Business Program and IT, pointed out that VIKI’s user-friendly design simplifies travel to the level of conversing with a savvy companion. 

VIKI effortlessly guides users through processes such as flight selection, seat assignment, payment processing, and boarding pass issuance, all completed in mere minutes. This approach eliminates common annoyances such as long lines and prolonged delays, paving the way for a smoother, more pleasurable travel experience.

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Chief Commercial Officer Trevor Henry emphasised how VIKI grants passengers exceptional independence, minimising reliance on traditional support channels and slashing wait times. This evolution not only optimises ValueJet’s workflows but also elevates customer contentment, providing on-the-spot access to essential information and assistance anytime, anywhere.

ValueJet’s venture into AI-enhanced passenger services extends from its prior rollout of TOPS, an internal tool for staff. The public debut of VIKI signifies the airline’s next digital milestone, extending its innovative ethos from behind-the-scenes operations to direct customer engagement. In this way, ValueJet solidifies its goal of transforming flights to Africa by delivering intelligent, immediate support that aligns with today’s digitally adept travellers’ demands.

In Nigeria, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, including aviation, has surged dramatically in recent years. By 2025, an impressive 93% of Nigerian firms had integrated AI into their operations, driven by a vibrant tech ecosystem and private-sector initiatives.

The country’s AI market is projected to reach $434.4 million by 2026, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.2%, with applications spanning fraud detection, operational efficiency, and customer service enhancements.

In aviation, specifically, AI is being leveraged for predictive maintenance to minimise aircraft downtime; optimised flight routing for fuel savings; and passenger flow analytics to streamline airport operations. 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advanced this trend by launching digital platforms such as the EMPIC PEL/MED to expedite pilot licensing and medical certifications, with a full rollout planned for 2026. Airlines like ValueJet are at the forefront, leveraging internal tools to introduce public-facing AI solutions that enhance safety, reduce costs, and improve passengers’ experiences.

However, challenges persist, including fragmented data systems, outdated infrastructure, and a skills gap in AI expertise, which could slow broader implementation.

This AI integration in aviation holds significant potential to boost tourism in Africa and Nigeria by creating more seamless, personalised, and accessible travel experiences. AI tools, like digital concierges, can enhance trip planning, real-time updates, and multilingual support, making destinations more attractive to international visitors and reducing barriers for diverse travellers. 

In Africa, AI could contribute up to $4.8 billion to economic growth by 2030, transforming sectors like tourism through virtual reality tours, predictive demand analytics, and sustainable practices, such as optimised routes that lower emissions.

For Nigeria, where tourism contributes substantially to GDP, AI-powered platforms could generate over ₦484 billion annually by enabling virtual heritage experiences, community-driven initiatives, and job creation, potentially adding over 1 million opportunities in tech, hospitality, and creative sectors.

This could elevate Nigeria’s global image, foster cultural preservation, attract diaspora investment, and support post-COVID recovery through contactless services such as facial recognition in hotels.

On a continental scale, AI in tourism promotes regenerative models, such as wildlife monitoring and inclusive community empowerment, helping East Africa and beyond align conservation with visitor engagement. Yet to maximise impact, investments in infrastructure and equitable access to AI are essential for avoiding widening digital divides.

Dive deeper into cutting-edge aviation innovations and tourism trends. Explore more stories on our website today and stay ahead of Africa’s digital travel revolution!

 

FAQs

1. What is VIKI, and how does it work?  

VIKI is ValueJet’s AI-powered digital concierge that uses multilingual voice and text commands via apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to handle flight bookings, check-ins, updates, and queries, making travel effortless and accessible.

2. How does VIKI improve accessibility for travellers? 

VIKI supports verbal interactions, aiding visually impaired passengers and promoting inclusivity by allowing independent journey management without complex interfaces or physical visits.

3. What impact could AI as VIKI have on Nigeria’s tourism?

By streamlining aviation processes, AI tools like Viki can attract more tourists through personalised, efficient experiences, potentially generating billions in revenue and creating jobs in the hospitality and tech sectors.

4. Is VIKI available only in Nigeria or across Africa?

While launched by Nigerian airline ValueJet, VIKI aims to set a benchmark for African aviation, with potential for wider adoption to enhance continental travel connectivity and tourism.

5. How does VIKI differ from traditional booking systems?  

Unlike rigid websites or call centres, VIKI offers intuitive, chat-like interactions with instant responses, reducing wait times and frustrations, much like conversing with a knowledgeable travel companion.