Bayelsa State has recorded a major milestone as Governor Douye Diri on Tuesday led top dignitaries on the inaugural commercial flight into the Bayelsa International Airport, marking the launch of the state’s first government-owned aircraft.
The 72-seater ATR-72/600 aircraft, one of two newly acquired by the state, departed Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 9:30 a.m. with about 50 passengers on board, including Governor Diri; former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah; members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus; the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba; and PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali.
The aircraft touched down in Yenagoa at 10:40 a.m. to jubilant crowds and a traditional water cannon salute.
Governor Diri described the occasion as a historic fulfilment of his administration’s promise to connect Bayelsa to the rest of the country by air. He said the launch represented a decisive step toward strengthening the state’s aviation capacity and unlocking new economic opportunities.
“Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa a future of air connectivity and opportunity. Today, that promise takes wing,” he said. “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.”
He added that the aircraft, currently registered under Pioneer Airline, would be renamed Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commercial operations begin, emphasising that the airline is fully state-owned.
Diri also acknowledged the contributions of former Governors Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Seriake Dickson, noting that the state’s aviation successes would not be complete without their pioneering roles. He further expressed appreciation to Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their support.
Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), announced that the airline will operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja, with intentions to expand into other Niger Delta states. Pioneer Airlines MD, Captain Henry Ungbuku, pledged that the company would live up to the expectations of the state and its people.
Premium Trust Bank CEO Emmanuel Emefienim described the achievement as a testament to strategic partnership, while Senator Konbowei Benson, speaking for the National Assembly Caucus, commended the governor’s foresight and pledged continued support.
Senator Lokpobiri urged the state government to sustain the airline by ensuring officials pay for tickets when using the service, while NDDC MD Ogbuku hailed the launch as a significant development that will boost regional connectivity.
PANDEF National President Dr. Boladei Igali said the people of the Niger Delta were proud of the governor’s accomplishment and promised the forum’s continued support as the state positions itself for new heights in development.
Bayelsa State has recorded a major milestone as Governor Douye Diri on Tuesday led top dignitaries on the inaugural commercial flight into the Bayelsa International Airport, marking the launch of the state’s first government-owned aircraft.
The 72-seater ATR-72/600 aircraft, one of two newly acquired by the state, departed Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 9:30 a.m. with about 50 passengers on board, including Governor Diri; former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah; members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus; the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba; and PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali.
The aircraft touched down in Yenagoa at 10:40 a.m. to jubilant crowds and a traditional water cannon salute.
Governor Diri described the occasion as a historic fulfilment of his administration’s promise to connect Bayelsa to the rest of the country by air. He said the launch represented a decisive step toward strengthening the state’s aviation capacity and unlocking new economic opportunities.
“Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa a future of air connectivity and opportunity. Today, that promise takes wing,” he said. “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.”
He added that the aircraft, currently registered under Pioneer Airline, would be renamed Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commercial operations begin, emphasising that the airline is fully state-owned.
Diri also acknowledged the contributions of former Governors Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Seriake Dickson, noting that the state’s aviation successes would not be complete without their pioneering roles. He further expressed appreciation to Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their support.
Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), announced that the airline will operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja, with intentions to expand into other Niger Delta states. Pioneer Airlines MD, Captain Henry Ungbuku, pledged that the company would live up to the expectations of the state and its people.
Premium Trust Bank CEO Emmanuel Emefienim described the achievement as a testament to strategic partnership, while Senator Konbowei Benson, speaking for the National Assembly Caucus, commended the governor’s foresight and pledged continued support.
Senator Lokpobiri urged the state government to sustain the airline by ensuring officials pay for tickets when using the service, while NDDC MD Ogbuku hailed the launch as a significant development that will boost regional connectivity.
PANDEF National President Dr. Boladei Igali said the people of the Niger Delta were proud of the governor’s accomplishment and promised the forum’s continued support as the state positions itself for new heights in development.
