The administration of Governor Douye Diri on Tuesday achieved another milestone in Bayelsa State’s history as one of its two newly acquired aircraft completed its inaugural flight and landed at the Bayelsa International Airport.
The ATR-72/600 aircraft departed the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 9:30 a.m. with about 50 passengers and crew on board. Among them were Governor Diri; former deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Sam Ogbuku; President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Ben Okaba; and PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali.
The aircraft touched down at 10:40 a.m. to an enthusiastic reception from a large crowd and received the traditional water-cannon salute from airport fire trucks.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Diri described the moment as historic and a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to improve air connectivity for Bayelsans. He said the inauguration marked a major step toward enhancing the state’s aviation capacity and unlocking economic opportunities.
“Six years ago, we promised our people a future of air connectivity and opportunity. Today, that promise takes wing as Bayelsa launches its own commercial air service,” he said. “This first of two ATR-72/600 aircraft, configured to carry 72 passengers and crew, ushers in a new era of regular and reliable air travel that will support commerce, open new markets and help our people prosper.”
The governor also directed that the aircraft, previously registered under Pioneer Airline, be renamed Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air ahead of commercial operations, stressing that it is wholly owned by the state.
He acknowledged the contributions of past leaders to the development of aviation in Bayelsa, particularly the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who conceived the idea of an airport at the present site, and former Governor Seriake Dickson, who brought the project to fruition. He also thanked Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their support.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), announced that the airline will operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja, as well as routes to other Niger Delta states.
Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for the trust reposed in the company, assuring that the operator would uphold the dreams and aspirations of the people in managing the state-owned aircraft.
Premium Trust Bank’s MD/CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, commended the state government for its vision, noting that the partnership that facilitated the aircraft acquisition was both strategic and impactful.
Speaking on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, Senator Konbowei Benson praised the governor’s foresight and pledged the lawmakers’ continued support.
Senator Lokpobiri also lauded the initiative and urged the government to sustain the airline by ensuring that officials patronize it and pay for their flights.
In his remarks, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Ogbuku described the aircraft acquisition as a positive development that will boost connectivity and expressed the commission’s readiness to partner with the state.
PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Igali, added that the people of the Niger Delta were proud of Governor Diri’s accomplishments and assured the forum’s unwavering support for the administration.
