Nigerian Pilot Targets New World Aviation Record with 18-Hour Nonstop UK-Abuja Flight

Nigeria’s aviation sector is set for another historic milestone as trailblazing pilot Captain Ademilola Odujinrin has unveiled plans to attempt a new Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) world record with an 18-hour nonstop flight from the United Kingdom to Abuja.

Captain Odujinrin disclosed the planned feat during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), where he briefed the minister on preparations for the record attempt scheduled for October.

The mission will see the renowned aviator fly a homebuilt Long-EZ aircraft from the UK to Nigeria’s capital in a single nonstop journey, aiming to establish a new record in the FAI C-1b class, which covers aircraft weighing between 500 and 1,000 kilograms.

Odujinrin is already celebrated as the first African to fly solo around the world and is among only about 120 pilots worldwide to have successfully completed a solo circumnavigation since such records began in 1932.

According to him, the latest expedition is intended not only to break another global aviation record but also to showcase Nigeria’s growing aviation capabilities and inspire young Nigerians and Africans to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace

He expressed appreciation to the Minister for his encouragement and support, saying the planned record attempt demonstrates that African pilots can continue to compete and excel on the global stage.

The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) is the international governing body for air sports and aviation world records, and a successful flight would place Nigeria among a select group of countries whose pilots have achieved such rare feats.

Receiving the pilot and his team, Keyamo commended the initiative, describing it as a project capable of projecting Nigeria positively and promoting excellence in the country’s aviation industry.

If successful, the October mission will further cement Captain Odujinrin’s place in aviation history while highlighting Nigeria’s contribution to global aerospace achievement.