Bayelsa acquires two aircraft – The Nation Newspaper

The Bayelsa Government, yesterday, received one of its two newly acquired aircraft following  its inuagural flight to Bayelsa Airport in Yenagoa, Bayelsa Capital.

The ATR-72/600 aircraft received the traditional water cannon salute on arrival from the fire trucks at the airport at about 10.40 a.m.

Dignitaries on the inuagural flight included Governor Douye Diri, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba and the National Chairman, Pan Niger-Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali, among others.

Governor Diri described the celebration as historic, saying it underscored his administration’s commitment to fulfilment of its promise to connect the people of the state to other parts of the country and the world by air. 

He noted that the inauguration of the aircraft was a moment of deep gratitude and celebration for every Bayelsan as it marked a decisive step in strengthening the state’s aviation capacity and expanding its economic horizons.

His words: “Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa a future of air connectivity and opportunity. Today, that promise takes wing: Bayelsa is launching its own commercial air services.

“On behalf of your Government of Renewed Hope for Assured Prosperity, I am delighted to commission the first of two ATR‑72/600 aircraft, each configured to carry 72 passengers and crew.

“This achievement marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity for Bayelsa, bringing regular and reliable air services that fuel modern commerce and development, connecting businesses to new markets, and empowering our people to thrive.”

Diri said the aircraft registered under the name Pioneer Airline be immediately changed to Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing commercial operations as it is state-owned and not a private concern.

He added that the story of the aviation sector in Bayelsa State would not be complete without acknowledging the pioneering role of his predecessors, particularly the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who conceptualised an airport at the current location, and the immediate past Governor Seriake Dickson, who actualised the airport project.

He also expressed appreciation to Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their support.

Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice‑Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), said the airline will not only operate the Lagos and Abuja routes daily but also other Niger Delta states. 

Also, Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, said the company will embody the dreams and aspirations of the people of the state and Niger Delta in its operations.

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He praised Governor Diri for believing in him and the airline and for entrusting it with the responsibility of operating the state-owned aircraft, assuring that they will not let Bayelsa down.

According to him, the new airline will operate daily nationally and across Niger-Delta region, stressing that the airline is a Bayelsa asset but will be operated by Pioneer Airlines on dry lease.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri lauded Governor Diri and urged the state government to sustain the airline’s flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying the aircraft. 

The NDDC MD, Ogbuku described the acquisition of an aircraft by the state government as a welcome development, noting that it will connect the people of the state to other parts of the country, and pledged the willingness of the commission to partner the airline to contribute to its success.