The Bayelsa state government on Monday launched its entry into commercial aviation as Pioneer Airlines commenced non-scheduled flight operations with one of the aircraft acquired by the state.
The inaugural flight, operated with an ATR 72-600 aircraft, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at about 11am and arrived at the Bayelsa International Airport just over an hour later.
The aircraft was piloted by Captain M. Ibrahim alongside First Officer Joyce, one of the airline’s female co-pilots.
Among the passengers on board was the Bayelsa governor, Douye Diri, who occupied seat 1A on the historic flight. He travelled alongside a former member of the House of Representatives, Gabriel Onyenwife, the governor’s special adviser on political matters, Collins Cocodia, and several aides.
The flight took off at 11.10am after receiving clearance from the control tower and landed at Bayelsa International Airport at about 12.15pm.
The commencement of operations marks Bayelsa’s first formal step into the commercial aviation sector through a partnership with Pioneer Airlines, which is expected to manage operations of the state-owned aircraft.
Speaking after the flight, Diri expressed confidence in the airline’s ability to provide quality service and said he was optimistic about the long-term prospects of the partnership.
State officials said the initiative was aimed at expanding Bayelsa’s internally generated revenue base while improving connectivity to the oil-rich state.
The launch of the airline operation is the latest infrastructure and investment initiative pursued by the Diri administration as it seeks to position Bayelsa as a regional transport and business hub.
