The Bayelsa State Government has secured all regulatory approvals required for the commencement of commercial flight operations through Pioneer Airline, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation and economic development drive.
The development follows the successful acquisition of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, clearing the airline to begin operations from the Bayelsa International Airport on May 25.
Key Highlights:
- Bayelsa secures NCAA Air Operator Certificate for Pioneer Airline.
- Commercial flight operations scheduled to begin May 25.
- Certification process completed in a record four and a half months.
- Bayelsa Government previously acquired two aircraft under partnership agreement.
- Ticket bookings expected to open within seven to ten days before launch.
- Flights to Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, and other destinations planned.
Managing Director of Pioneer Airline, Capt. Henry Ungbuku, presented the certification documents to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa, stating that the airline had fulfilled all statutory conditions required by the NCAA despite what he described as a rigorous certification process.
According to Ungbuku, the airline achieved the feat in just four and a half months, significantly faster than the industry average of eight months to two years.
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“At our meeting with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Honourable Minister of Aviation in Abuja, they confirmed that Pioneer Airline is the fastest to obtain an Air Operator Certificate in Nigeria,” he said.
The airline boss credited the achievement to the support and commitment of Governor Diri’s administration toward ensuring that commercial flight operations commence in the state.
Under the partnership agreement signed in 2025, the Bayelsa State Government acquired two aircraft for operations under Pioneer Airline. One of the aircraft, an ATR 72-600, completed its inaugural flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Bayelsa International Airport on November 26, 2025, before undergoing the NCAA certification process.
Ungbuku explained that Pioneer Airline currently operates under a dry lease arrangement with the Bayelsa Government, adding that the state owns the aircraft while the airline pays lease rentals for commercial use.
He further disclosed that approval for branding the aircraft as “Bayelsa Air” is still pending with the NCAA.
According to him, the airline will initially operate non-scheduled services, while passengers will be able to book flights through designated travel agencies, group bookings, and charter arrangements.
“If you want an aircraft to fly to Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, or anywhere in Nigeria today, we are ready to fly,” Ungbuku stated.
The launch of commercial flight operations is expected to improve connectivity, boost economic activities, and strengthen investment opportunities in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region.
