On Monday, May 25, 2026, as previously announced, Pioneer Airlines commenced non-scheduled flight operations with one of the aircraft acquired by the Bayelsa State government, an ATR 72-600, and operated by the private airline.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
The historic flight into the world of commercial aviation was flown by Captain M. Ibrahim and First Officer Joyce, a female co-pilot, in the cockpit.
The aircraft taxied off the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 11:00hrs and, following clearance from the control tower, was airborne at 11:10hrs en route the Bayelsa International Airport.
Interestingly, on board the air-bird was the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri, who was Passenger 1A.
Seated with him in the cabin were a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters 1, High Chief Collins Cocodia, and five of the governor’s aides.
After a very comforting one hour and five minutes experience in the air, the plane touched down at the Bayelsa airport at 12:15hrs.
Significantly, the partnership with Pioneer Airlines kickstarts Bayelsa’s foray into commercial aviation and another opportunity to expand the state’s internally generated revenue base.
An impressed Governor Diri expressed confidence in the airline’s ability and capacity to deliver quality services while looking forward to a robust and rewarding partnership with the state.
This truly exciting new journey is yet another affirmation of Governor Diri’s visionary leadership that is anchored on an unyielding commitment to positively changing the Bayelsa story.
Kindly share
