Bayelsa aircraft debuts as Diri flags commercial operations

The Bayelsa State–owned aircraft operated by Pioneer Airlines undertook its inaugural flight on Wednesday, landing at the Bayelsa International Airport from Abuja.

A large crowd of Bayelsans gathered at the airport to welcome Governor Douye Diri and a delegation of prominent indigenes, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and members of the National Assembly caucus.

The ATR-72/600 aircraft departed the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 09:30 hrs with about 50 passengers and crew on board. Among those on the maiden flight were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

On arrival, the aircraft received the traditional water-cannon salute from airport fire trucks.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Diri described the event as historic, saying it underscored his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promise to connect the people of Bayelsa to the rest of the country and the world by air. He said the inauguration represented a moment of deep gratitude and celebration for every Bayelsan, as it marked a decisive step toward strengthening the state’s aviation capacity and widening economic opportunities.

He said, “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 directed that the aircraft, currently registered under Pioneer Airlines, be immediately renamed Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing full commercial operations, stressing that the name must reflect its state-owned status.