With the launch, ValueJet becomes the first airline on the continent to deploy an AI concierge at scale, reinforcing its push toward faster, more accessible, and customer-focused air travel solutions.
VIKI is a multilingual, text- and voice-enabled virtual assistant that allows passengers to interact using voice commands or chat platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. The system responds verbally to voice inputs, a feature aimed at improving accessibility for visually impaired users. Through the AI assistant, passengers can book and manage flights, modify reservations, check in online, receive real-time travel updates, and access support services — all without visiting the airport or navigating conventional airline websites.
Passengers can begin using the service by saving 09160012700 to their mobile devices and initiating a chat.
Speaking at the launch, ValueJet’s Managing Director, Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, described VIKI as more than just a technological upgrade. According to him, the AI assistant represents the airline’s broader vision for smarter and more seamless travel experiences across Africa.
“At ValueJet, innovation must lead to real impact,” Majekodunmi said. “VIKI is more than a digital tool; she represents our ambition to deliver smarter, safer and more seamless experiences for travellers. This is just the beginning of our journey.”
The airline noted that VIKI directly addresses long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly around speed, convenience and accessibility. The launch forms a key part of ValueJet’s digital transformation strategy, which aims to deliver efficient, self-service travel solutions tailored to modern passengers.
Also commenting on the development, Head of Business Program and IT, Mr. Temitope Ajijola, said the airline set out from inception to make flight booking intuitive and stress-free. He explained that VIKI takes that vision further by enabling real-time interaction and personalised assistance.
“With VIKI, passengers can simply say something like, ‘I need a direct flight to Abuja tomorrow,’ and the system will guide them through flight options, seat selection, payment, and even issue a boarding pass within minutes,” Ajijola said.
Beyond ticket bookings, the AI concierge allows users to check in seamlessly, receive digital boarding passes, adjust existing reservations, and get instant answers to questions about baggage allowances, fare rules and other travel concerns — eliminating the need for phone calls, long wait times or physical customer service desks.
ValueJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, Trevor Henry, said the introduction of VIKI represents a significant shift in how the airline engages with its customers, giving passengers greater control and flexibility over their journeys.
The launch of VIKI follows the airline’s earlier internal deployment of TOPS (Trusted Operations Policy Support), an AI assistant developed to support staff operations. With VIKI now available to the public, ValueJet is extending its AI-driven approach directly to passengers, positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation within African aviation.