The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has officially presented an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airline, paving the way for the carrier to begin commercial flight operations in Nigeria.
The development was announced on Thursday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, through a post on his official X account.
According to the minister, the certification marks the formal commencement of operations for the new airline, which is owned by the Bayelsa State Government.
Keyamo disclosed that the management team of Pioneer Airline, led by its Managing Director, Capt. Ungbuku, paid him a courtesy visit shortly after receiving the certificate from the NCAA.
The minister attributed the increasing emergence of state-owned airlines in the country to the aviation reforms and policies introduced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
READ ALSO:Â NCAA Raises Alarm Over Passenger Complaints, Faults Airlines On Refunds And Conduct
He expressed optimism that more state-backed airlines would emerge in the near future as a result of the government’s efforts to improve the aviation sector.
Keyamo further noted that the expansion of airline operators across Nigeria would provide air travellers with more choices and improve accessibility within the country’s air transport industry.
The certification of Pioneer Airline is expected to boost regional connectivity and strengthen commercial aviation activities in Bayelsa State and beyond.
