The newly certified Pioneer Airline is set to commence flight operations from Bayelsa State on May 25 following the successful acquisition of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Managing Director of the airline, Capt. Henry Ungbuku, disclosed this on Thursday at the Government House, Yenagoa, during the presentation of the operating certificate to Governor Douye Diri.
Capt. Ungbuku described the NCAA certification process as rigorous and highly demanding, noting that the airline completed the process in a record four and a half months.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the airline achieved what aviation authorities reportedly described as one of the fastest AOC approvals in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“At our meeting with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Honourable Minister of Aviation in Abuja on Wednesday, they confirmed that Pioneer Airline is the fastest to get an Air Operator Certificate in Nigeria,” Ungbuku said.
“Normally, it takes between eight months and two years, but we got it in four and a half months.”
He attributed the achievement largely to the support and commitment of the Bayelsa State Government, particularly Governor Douye Diri’s determination to ensure commercial flight operations commence from the state.
The Bayelsa government had in 2025 acquired two aircraft under a partnership arrangement with Pioneer Airline as part of efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity in the state.
One of the aircraft, an ATR 72-600, conducted its inaugural flight on November 26, 2025, from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to the Bayelsa International Airport before undergoing regulatory certification for commercial operations.
Ungbuku explained that Pioneer Airline operates under a dry lease agreement with the Bayelsa State Government, under which the airline would pay monthly lease rentals for the use of the aircraft.
He clarified that while the airline is currently operating under the Pioneer Airline brand, approval from the NCAA to officially rebrand the carrier as Bayelsa Air is still pending.
READ ALSO: NCAA Grants AOC To Bayelsa-Owned Pioneer Airline
“The Bayelsa government owns the assets and Pioneer will pay monthly lease rentals to use them to generate revenue,” he said.
He also announced that ticket bookings would open within seven to ten days ahead of the official commencement of operations on May 25.
According to him, the airline will initially operate non-scheduled commercial services, while passengers would be able to make bookings through designated travel agencies, group arrangements, and charter services.
“It is not a direct scheduled service yet. However, you can book through designated ticketing and travel agencies or arrange group bookings and charter to anywhere in Nigeria,” he stated.
“If you want an aircraft to fly to Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna or anywhere today, we are ready to fly.”
The development is seen as a major boost to Bayelsa’s transportation and economic ambitions, particularly as the state seeks to improve access, attract investment, and reduce dependence on neighbouring states for air travel services.
Industry observers say the commencement of commercial operations from the Bayelsa Airport could stimulate tourism, business activities, and regional connectivity while positioning the state as an emerging aviation hub in the Niger Delta region.