Green Africa, Nigeria’s Lagos-based value airline, has announced the appointment of Captain Bart Roberts as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a member of the company’s senior leadership team.
In his new role, Roberts will oversee Flight Operations, the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC), Operational Safety, Airport Services, and Training. He will also work closely with the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Babawande Afolabi, alongside the senior leadership team, to help shape and execute the airline’s strategic direction.
Roberts brings more than 40 years of leadership experience in global aviation to Green Africa. He joins the airline from Cirrus Aircraft in McKinney, Texas, where he served as Executive Director with responsibility for Flight Training.
Before his tenure at Cirrus Aircraft, Roberts was Vice President of Flight Operations at JetBlue, where he led a pilot workforce of approximately 2,800 across the airline’s network.
His distinguished career also includes 28 years at American Airlines, during which he held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Pilot, Managing Director of Flight Operations, Check Airman, and Fleet Training Manager.
Beyond commercial aviation, Roberts served for 25 years in the United States Navy and Navy Reserve, retiring with the rank of Captain (O-6). He has also demonstrated strong industry and community involvement, having served on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operations Council and currently sitting on the Board of Women in Aviation International (WAI).
Commenting on the appointment, Afolabi, said: “I am delighted to welcome Captain Bart to Green Africa. His depth of operational expertise and proven leadership at some of the world’s leading airlines make him a strong addition to our team at this pivotal stage of our journey.
“I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build Green Africa and deliver on our mission at scale”.
Roberts also expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating:
“It is a privilege to join Green Africa at such an important moment in its growth.
“Nigeria’s aviation sector holds tremendous potential, and I am excited to work with Babawande and the Team to position Green Africa as a leading force in unlocking this potential, while consistently delivering safe, affordable, and reliable air travel to a wider customer base”.