Bayelsa Joins Aviation Sector Players, Launches First Flight with Pioneer Airlines

The Bayelsa State government has launched its first non-scheduled flight operations with one of the aircraft it acquired, an ATR 72-600, and operated by private airline, Pioneer Airlines.

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, on Monday,May 25, 2026.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement on Monday, said 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.

Alabrah, said interestingly, on board the air-bird was the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri, who was Passenger 1A.

He said seated with the governor 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”, Alabrah added.

He said that the partnership with Pioneer Airlines kickstarts Bayelsa’s foray into commercial aviation and another opportunity to expand the state’s internally generated revenue base.

Reacting to the development, Alabrah said 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”, the CPS added.