Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has received the management team of Bayelsa State-owned carrier, Pioneer Airlines, following the successful issuance of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
The delegation, led by the Group Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, visited the Minister to formally present the airline’s AOC certificate and express appreciation for the support and encouragement received from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies throughout the certification process.
Speaking during the visit, Ungbuku commended the Minister for his commitment to the growth of indigenous carriers and for creating an enabling environment for operators within the aviation industry.
He described the successful acquisition of the AOC as a major milestone for Bayelsa State and a testament to the Minister’s dedication to strengthening domestic aviation in Nigeria.
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In his remarks, the Minister welcomed the delegation and expressed delight over the growing participation of sub-national governments in the aviation sector.
According to him, “Today is one of my happiest days as Minister because we are beginning to see more sub-national governments getting involved in the airline business. We have not stopped at developing policies, and Pioneer Airlines is coming at a time when the Federal Government is ready to fully support domestic airline operators through a Special Purpose Vehicle in the form of the Nigerian Leasing Company.”
He further stated that Pioneer Airlines would soon become one of the beneficiaries of the proposed Nigerian Leasing Company initiative aimed at easing aircraft acquisition challenges for local operators.
The Minister noted that the emergence of more indigenous and sub-national airlines would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s domestic and regional aviation markets.
“My ultimate prayer is to have enough sub-national airlines competing for regional routes because we have the market. For instance, we have about 277 frequencies being operated weekly by international airlines. Imagine what would happen if we had enough sub-national airlines actively participating in those regional operations,” the Minister added.
The visit ended with renewed assurances of collaboration between the Ministry and Pioneer Airlines to deepen connectivity, boost economic growth, and advance the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
