Bayelsa makes history with first state-owned aircraft inaugural flight

Bayelsa State stepped into a new chapter of its history on Monday as the first of its newly acquired aircraft touched down at the Bayelsa International Airport—an event greeted with thunderous cheers, a water-cannon salute, and a deep sense of collective pride.

The ATR-72/600 aircraft, loaded with about 50 passengers and crew, departed the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 9:30 a.m.

On board were Governor Douye Diri; former deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); federal lawmakers from the state; Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba; PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali; and several other dignitaries.

At exactly 10:40 a.m., the aircraft descended into Bayelsa’s skies and rolled onto the runway to a rousing welcome from a massive crowd that had gathered hours ahead to witness what many described as “history in motion.”

Bayelsa makes history with first state-owned aircraft inaugural flight Bayelsa State stepped into a new chapter of its history on Monday as the first of its newly acquired aircraft touched down at the Bayelsa International Airport—an event greeted with thunderous cheers, a water-cannon salute, and a deep sense of collective pride. The ATR-72/600 aircraft, loaded with about 50 passengers and crew, departed the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 9:30 a.m. On board were Governor Douye Diri; former deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); federal lawmakers from the state; Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Sam Ogbuku; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba; PANDEF National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali; and several other dignitaries. At exactly 10:40 a.m., the aircraft descended into Bayelsa’s skies and rolled onto the runway to a rousing welcome from a massive crowd that had gathered hours ahead to witness what many described as “history in motion.” The moment was more than ceremonial for Governor Diri—who called it “a historic day for every Bayelsan.” “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,” he declared, standing before the gleaming aircraft that had just completed its inaugural trip. He continued: “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.” Diri also announced that the aircraft, which had been operating under the name Pioneer Airline, would be rebranded as Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing full commercial operations. According to him, this is to reflect its true ownership and identity as a state asset. The governor took a moment to honour those whose earlier efforts laid the foundation for the state’s aviation journey—particularly the late former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who first envisioned the airport, and former Governor Seriake Dickson, who pushed the project to completion. He also commended Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and the Bayelsa House of Assembly for their roles in making the dream a reality. For Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, the launch signals the beginning of broader connectivity across the South-South. He noted that the airline will operate daily Lagos and Abuja flights, with plans to extend services to other Niger Delta states. Captain Henry Ungbuku, MD of Pioneer Airlines, described the partnership as deeply personal and symbolic. He said the company “embodies the dreams and aspirations of the people of Bayelsa and the entire Niger Delta,” thanking Governor Diri for the trust placed in the airline. He assured the crowd that “they will not let Bayelsa down.” Premium Trust Bank’s CEO, Emmanuel Emefienim, highlighted the project as a case study in strategic collaboration, expressing pride in the bank’s role in securing the aircraft. Lawmakers were also unanimous in their support. Speaking for the National Assembly Caucus, Senator Konbowei Benson praised the governor’s foresight and promised legislative backing for aviation-driven development. Senator Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), urged the state to ensure sustainability: He advised the government to “lead by example” by paying for official travel on the airline. For Dr. Sam Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, the acquisition marks a vital link between Bayelsa and the rest of the country. He pledged NDDC’s readiness to collaborate with the airline to ensure its growth. PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, wrapped up the celebration with a message of regional pride, expressing confidence that Governor Diri’s achievements would propel Bayelsa to “new heights.” With the inaugural landing now a proud memory, Bayelsa looks set to join Nigeria’s aviation map—not just as a state with an airport, but as one with its own aircraft, its own ambitions, and its eyes firmly on the future. — Governor Douye Diri inaugurating the maiden flight of Bayelsa state-owned aircraft

The moment was more than ceremonial for Governor Diri—who called it “a historic day for every Bayelsan.”

“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,” he declared, standing before the gleaming aircraft that had just completed its inaugural trip.

He continued:
“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.”

Diri also announced that the aircraft, which had been operating under the name Pioneer Airline, would be rebranded as Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing full commercial operations.
According to him, this is to reflect its true ownership and identity as a state asset.

The governor took a moment to honour those whose earlier efforts laid the foundation for the state’s aviation journey—particularly the late former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who first envisioned the airport, and former Governor Seriake Dickson, who pushed the project to completion. He also commended Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and the Bayelsa House of Assembly for their roles in making the dream a reality.

For Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, the launch signals the beginning of broader connectivity across the South-South. He noted that the airline will operate daily Lagos and Abuja flights, with plans to extend services to other Niger Delta states.

Captain Henry Ungbuku, MD of Pioneer Airlines, described the partnership as deeply personal and symbolic.
He said the company “embodies the dreams and aspirations of the people of Bayelsa and the entire Niger Delta,” thanking Governor Diri for the trust placed in the airline. He assured the crowd that “they will not let Bayelsa down.”

Premium Trust Bank’s CEO, Emmanuel Emefienim, highlighted the project as a case study in strategic collaboration, expressing pride in the bank’s role in securing the aircraft.

Lawmakers were also unanimous in their support. Speaking for the National Assembly Caucus, Senator Konbowei Benson praised the governor’s foresight and promised legislative backing for aviation-driven development.

Senator Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), urged the state to ensure sustainability:
He advised the government to “lead by example” by paying for official travel on the airline.

For Dr. Sam Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, the acquisition marks a vital link between Bayelsa and the rest of the country. He pledged NDDC’s readiness to collaborate with the airline to ensure its growth.

PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, wrapped up the celebration with a message of regional pride, expressing confidence that Governor Diri’s achievements would propel Bayelsa to “new heights.”

With the inaugural landing now a proud memory, Bayelsa looks set to join Nigeria’s aviation map—not just as a state with an airport, but as one with its own aircraft, its own ambitions, and its eyes firmly on the future.

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