Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Wednesday flew one of the state’s two newly acquired aircraft from Abuja to the state’s airport at Amassoma, near Yenagoa.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ATR-72/600 aircraft, which is for commercial purposes, had 50 passengers and crew on board.
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The aircraft, acquired by Pioneer Airlines and bankrolled by Premium Trust Bank for the state, will operate mainly on Lagos and Abuja routes.
The immediate past deputy governor of the state, Gboribiogha John-Jonah, a retired rear admiral, and members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus, including the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, were on board the aircraft.
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Others were the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, President, Ijaw National Congress, Ben Okaba and the National Chairman, Pan Nigerian Delta Forum, Boladei Igali.
Mr Diri described the inauguration as historic, as it underscored his administration’s commitment to connect the people of the state to other parts of the country and the world by air.
According to him, “Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa air connectivity and opportunities. Today, 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.
“It will bring regular and reliable air services that fuel modern commerce and development, connecting businesses to new markets, and empowering our people to thrive,” he said.
The governor explained that he had directed the aircraft to be registered under the name “Air Bayelsa” or “Bayelsa Air” before commencing operations.
He added that the story would not be complete without acknowledging the pioneering role of his predecessors, particularly the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who conceptualised an airport at the current location.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Nelson Calmday, a retired air vice-marshal, said the airline would not only operate the Lagos and Abuja routes daily but also other Niger Delta states.
Also, the Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Henry Ungbuku, said the company was glad to have met the aspirations of the people of the state and the Niger Delta.
He thanked Governor Diri for believing in him and the airline and for entrusting him with the responsibility of operating the state-owned aircraft, assuring that he would not let Bayelsa down.
The Managing Director and CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Emmanuel Emefienim, said it was a remarkable achievement to have played a strategic role in the acquisition of the aircraft.
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Similarly, Senator, Konbowei Benson, who spoke on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, hailed the governor’s vision and pledged the caucus’s support for the state government’s developmental efforts.
Mr Lokpobiri lauded Mr Diri and urged the state government to sustain the airline’s flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying the aircraft.
Mr Ogbuku described the development as a welcome one, adding that it would connect the people of the state to other parts of the country.
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