The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting indigenous airlines as the management of Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airlines paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following the successful acquisition of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
The visit, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday, marked a significant milestone for the newly certified carrier, which is preparing to commence operations after completing the rigorous certification requirements set by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Leading the delegation was the Group Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, who formally presented the airline’s AOC certificate to the Minister and expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies for their support throughout the certification process.
Capt. Ungbuku described the issuance of the AOC as a historic achievement for Bayelsa State and a major boost for the country’s indigenous aviation sector.
He commended the Minister for championing policies aimed at strengthening local airline operators and improving the operating environment within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
According to him, the support received from the Ministry and aviation regulatory agencies played a key role in helping the airline attain certification and position itself for commercial operations.
The Pioneer Airlines boss also used the occasion to introduce members of the airline’s management team to the Minister. Those present included Mr. Tunde Owolabi, Director of Corporate Services; Mrs. Adetola Ungbuku, Director of Commercial and Customer Services; Capt. Crosby Otobo, Director of Operations; Engr. Isaac Omotayo, Director of Continuing Airworthiness; Capt. Mamman Ibrahim, Chief Pilot.
Others include Angela Okosun, Head of Human Resources; Emmanuel Nwaneri, Quality and Safety Manager; Lewis Ogunboye, Business Development Manager; Godwin Okore, Executive Assistant to the Group Managing Director; Victory Gordon, Abuja Station Supervisor; and Mr. Muyideen, Aviation Security Personnel.
Speaking during the meeting, Keyamo expressed satisfaction with the increasing involvement of state governments in the aviation industry, describing the development as encouraging for the future of domestic and regional air transport in Nigeria.
The Minister said the Federal Government was determined to create sustainable support mechanisms for local airlines, particularly in the area of aircraft acquisition and leasing.
“Today is one of my happiest days as Minister because we are beginning to see more sub-nationals getting involved in the airline business,” Keyamo stated.
He revealed that the Federal Government was already working on a Special Purpose Vehicle known as the Nigerian Leasing Company, an initiative designed to help domestic operators overcome the high costs and challenges associated with aircraft acquisition.
According to him, Pioneer Airlines is expected to benefit from the initiative once it becomes operational.
Keyamo stressed that stronger participation by indigenous airlines in regional routes would help Nigeria maximise the enormous opportunities within Africa’s aviation market.
He noted that international airlines currently operate about 277 weekly frequencies into and out of Nigeria, adding that the country stands to gain significantly if more local and sub-national carriers begin to compete actively on regional routes.
“My ultimate prayer is to have enough sub-national airlines to keep fighting for the regional routes because we have the market,” the Minister said.
Industry stakeholders have continued to advocate greater support for Nigerian airlines, especially in areas such as aircraft financing, access to foreign exchange, infrastructure, and operational costs, which have remained major challenges for operators.
The emergence of Pioneer Airlines is expected to further deepen domestic connectivity and expand aviation opportunities within the Niger Delta region and beyond.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaboration aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and accelerating the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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