By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Bayelsa State on Wednesday moved into a new phase of its transport development as it kicked off commercial flight operations using a state-owned aircraft operated by Pioneer Airlines.
Heritage Times HT reports that the milestone flight, an ATR-72/600, touched down at the Bayelsa International Airport from Abuja shortly after 9:30 a.m., marking the official start of scheduled passenger services.
About 50 passengers were onboard, among them Governor Douye Diri, his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, federal lawmakers, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, as the aircraft received a ceremonial water cannon welcome on arrival.
Bayelsa had earlier announced the acquisition of two aircraft to support the commencement of commercial operations from the state-owned airport.
Addressing dignitaries and passengers at the airport, Governor Diri described the development as a defining moment for the state, recalling that the administration had promised to open up Bayelsa by air and create new economic opportunities.
“Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa a future of air connectivity and opportunity. Today, that promise takes flight as Bayelsa launches its own commercial air services. On behalf of the Government of Renewed Hope for Assured Prosperity, I am honoured to commission the first of two ATR-72/600 aircraft, each capable of carrying 72 passengers and crew,” he said.
Diri added that the expanded air link would boost commerce, improve market access for investors, and ease travel for residents and visitors.
He also directed that the carrier, currently operated under Pioneer Airlines, be rebranded as Air Bayelsa to reflect its identity as a state-owned airline.
The governor acknowledged former leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for the project, including the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who first envisioned the airport, and his immediate predecessor Seriake Dickson, who advanced the work to near completion. Diri also thanked Premium Trust Bank, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and Pioneer Airlines for their support.
According to Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, the new airline will operate routes connecting major Niger Delta cities such as Port Harcourt, Warri, Uyo, and Calabar, in addition to Lagos and Abuja. He confirmed that flight crews and cabin attendants have already been trained and deployed.
Pioneer Airlines’ Managing Director, Captain Henry Ungbuku, noted that the new service reflects the aspirations of the people of Bayelsa and the wider Niger Delta region. Premium Trust Bank, which facilitated the aircraft acquisition, also expressed confidence that the project would stimulate regional development.
Several prominent stakeholders, including Senator Konbowei Benson and Dr. Boladei Igali, President of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, praised the initiative and pledged to support efforts aimed at sustaining the new airline.
Heritage Times HT reports that the launch of the state-owned carrier is also expected to boost Bayelsa’s economy by opening the state to greater commercial activity, attracting investors, and strengthening its tourism potential.
