Bayelsa inaugurates state airline as first aircraft makes historic flight

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State government has inaugurated its own airline following the successful flight of one of its newly acquired aircraft on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 — a milestone Governor Douye Diri described as “historic” for the state’s aviation future.

The ATR-72/600 aircraft, one of the two procured by the state government, departed the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 9:30 am with about 50 passengers and crew on board, including Governor Diri. It landed at the Bayelsa International Airport to cheers from residents and dignitaries.

Among those on the maiden flight were the immediate past deputy governor, Rear Adm. Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus; Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Sam Ogbuku; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba; and PANDEF National Chairman, Dr Boladei Igali

Diri said the moment marked the fulfilment of a six-year promise to provide air connectivity and open new economic pathways for Bayelsa State.

“This achievement marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity for Bayelsa.

“Today, that promise takes wing: Bayelsa is launching its own commercial air services. This will fuel modern commerce, connect businesses to new markets, and empower our people to thrive,” he said.

Diri also disclosed that the aircraft, currently registered under “Pioneer Airline,” will be renamed “Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air” before commercial operations begin.

He paid tribute to past leaders, particularly the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who first conceived the idea of an airport at the present location.

The Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), announced that the airline would operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja, with plans to extend services to other Niger Delta states.

Similarly, the Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, pledged that the company would embody the aspirations of Bayelsans and deliver safe, reliable operations. He thanked the governor for entrusting the airline with the aircraft.

Premium Trust Bank CEO, Mr Emmanuel Emefienim, commended the launch as a testament to vision and strategic partnership, noting the bank’s role in financing the aircraft.

Members of the National Assembly Caucus, represented by Senator Konbowei Benson, also pledged their support for the administration’s development strides.

Minister Lokpobiri praised the initiative while urging the state government to ensure the sustainability of the airline, particularly by making public officials pay for their flights.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, described the state’s acquisition of aircraft as a welcome development that will expand Bayelsa’s access to the rest of the country.

With the successful inaugural flight, Bayelsa moves a step closer to fully operationalising its state-owned airline and strengthening its position in regional aviation.