Nelson Utip.
To boost aviation development in Bayelsa State, the Government has acquired two new aircrafts, one was delivered on Wednesday in Yenagoa. This is sequel to the initial flight to The Yenagoa airport recently
The ATR-72/600 aircraft received the traditional water cannon salute on arrival from the fire trucks at the airport at about 10.40 a.m.
Passengers on board the initial flight included Governor Douye Diri, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, 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.
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.
Diri noted 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.
“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.
“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 said.
He further said 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.
The Governor also said 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 used the occasion to express appreciation to Premium Trust Bank, Pioneer Airline, and Bayelsa State House of Assembly for their support.
The 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.
In his reaction , The 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 applauded 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.
He further disclosed that the new airline will operate daily nationally and across Niger-Delta region, stressing that the airline is a Bayelsa asset but will be operated by Pioneer Airlines on dry lease.
Heineken Lokpobiri, The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), in his speech at the occasion lauded Governor Diri and called on the state government to sustain the airline’s flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying the aircraft.
On his part, The NDDC MD, Ogbuku 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.
Bayelsa State has joined the Akwa Ibom and Cross River States as Sta
tes with functional airlines.
