Bayelsa State achieved a major milestone on Tuesday as Governor Douye Diri led top dignitaries on the historic inaugural flight of the state’s newly acquired commercial aircraft, an ATR-72/600, marking a new era in Bayelsa’s aviation development.
The 72-seater aircraft, one of two acquired by the state government, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 09:30hrs with about 50 passengers and crew on board. Among the delegation were the immediate past Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah; members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus; Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba; and National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali.
The aircraft touched down at the Bayelsa International Airport, Yenagoa, at 10:40hrs to an ecstatic reception from a jubilant crowd and received the traditional water cannon salute from airport fire trucks.
Governor Diri described the moment as “historic,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening air connectivity, boosting commerce, and opening Bayelsa to national and global opportunities.
“Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa a future of air connectivity and opportunity. Today, that promise takes wing,” Diri said. “This commissioning marks the beginning of a new era of reliable commercial air services that will fuel development, expand market access, and empower our people to thrive.”
The governor further directed that the aircraft, initially registered under Pioneer Airline, be formally renamed Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air, reflecting its status as a state-owned asset.
Diri also acknowledged the contributions of past leaders, especially the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who initiated the airport dream, and former Governor Seriake Dickson, who brought the project to life. He commended Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their partnership and support.
Air Vice Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, announced that the aircraft will operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja, with plans to extend services to other Niger Delta states.
The Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, expressed gratitude for the governor’s confidence in the airline, pledging that the carrier would “embody the dreams and aspirations of Bayelsans and the Niger Delta.”
Premium Trust Bank CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, also expressed pride in the partnership that enabled the aircraft acquisition, describing it as “a remarkable achievement driven by vision and strategic collaboration.”
Members of the National Assembly Caucus, led by Senator Konbowei Benson, applauded Governor Diri’s foresight and pledged continuous support for the state’s development strides.
Senator Lokpobiri urged sustainability and encouraged government officials to patronize the airline to ensure its viability.
In a similar vein, NDDC MD Dr. Ogbuku commended the initiative and signaled the commission’s readiness to partner with the state for the airline’s long-term success.
PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Igali, said the region is proud of Governor Diri’s achievements and assured the state government of the forum’s continued support.
The inauguration marks a significant leap for Bayelsa State, placing it among Nigerian states with growing aviation capacity and positioning it as a key player in regional connectivity and economic expansion.
