Bayelsa State has joined others states like Enugu and Akwa Ibom States in launching state owned air transport services.
A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa Governor Daniel Alabrah said the state owned commercial aircraft made its inaugural flight on Tuesday taking off from the domestic wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and landing at Bayelsa airport.
The statement said the ATR-72/600 aircraft took off from Abuja at 09:30hrs with about 50 passengers and crew on board, including Governor Douye Diri, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri,
Others include, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba and the National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali, among others, touched down at the Bayelsa airport at 10:40hrs amid jubilation by a mammoth crowd.
The aircraft received the traditional water cannon salute on arrival from the fire trucks at the airport.
Governor Diri described the celebration as historic, saying it underscored his administration’s commitment to fulfilment of its promise to connect the people of the state to other parts of the country and the world by air.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive also stated that the inauguration of the aircraft was a moment of deep gratitude and celebration for every Bayelsan as it marked a decisive step in strengthening the state’s aviation capacity and expanding its economic horizons.
His words: “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.
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”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.”
Governor Diri explained that he has directed that the aircraft registered under the name Pioneer Airline be immediately changed to Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing commercial operations as it is state-owned and not a private concern.
He added that the story of the aviation sector in Bayelsa State would not be complete without acknowledging the pioneering role of his predecessors, particularly the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who conceptualised an airport at the current location, and the immediate past Governor Seriake Dickson, who actualised the airport project.
He also expressed appreciation to Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their support.
In his welcome remarks, Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice‑Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), said the airline will not only operate the Lagos and Abuja routes daily but also other Niger Delta states.
Also, Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, said the company will embody the dreams and aspirations of the people of the state and Niger Delta in its operations.
He thanked Governor Diri for believing in him and the airline and for entrusting it with the responsibility of operating the state-owned aircraft, assuring that they will not let Bayelsa down.
Managing Director/ CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said it was a remarkable achievement that speaks to vision and strategic partnership between the government and the bank, expressing his joy that the bank played a strategic role in the acquisition of the aircraft.
Similarly, Senator Konbowei Benson, who spoke on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, hailed the governor’s vision and pledged their support for the developmental efforts of the state government.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, equally lauded Governor Diri and urged the state government to sustain the airline’s flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying the aircraft.
The NDDC MD, Ogbuku, in his remarks, described the acquisition of an aircraft by the state government as a welcome development, noting that it will connect the people of the state to other parts of the country, and pledged the willingness of the commission to partner the airline to contribute to its success.
The PANDEF National Chairman, God knows Igali, said people of the region were proud of Diri’s achievements and pledged the continuous support of the forum to enable the government attain new heights.
