The Gov Douye Diri led administration in Bayelsa on Wednesday floated an airline with the inaugural flight of one of its two newly acquired aircraft landing at the state’s airport.
The ATR-72/600 aircraft, took off from the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 09:30hrs with about 50 passengers and crew on board, including governor Diri.
The immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Adm. Gboribiogha John-Jonah, (rtd) members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri were also on board the maiden flight.
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba and the National Chairman, Pan Nigerian Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali, among others were among the passengers.
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 stated that the inauguration of the aircraft was a moment of deep gratitude and celebration for the people of Bayelsa as it marked a decisive step in strengthening the state’s aviation capacity.
According to him: "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 aircrafts, 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," he said.
Governor Diri explained that he has directed that the aircraft registered under the name Pioneer Airline be immediately changed to Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing commercial operations.
He added that the story of the aviation sector in Bayelsa 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.
In his remarks, 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.
He thanked 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.
Managing Director/ CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Mr Emmanuel Emefienim, said it was a remarkable achievement that speaks to vision and strategic partnership between the government and the bank, expressing his joy that the bank played a strategic role in the acquisition of the aircraft.
Similarly, Sen. Konbowei Benson, who spoke on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, hailed the governor’s vision and pledged their support for the developmental efforts of the state government.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen Lokpobiri, equally 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, in his remarks, described the acquisition of aircrafts by the state government as a welcome development, noting that it will connect the people of the state to other parts
of the country.
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