Bayelsa gov flags off inaugural flight of new state-owned aircraft

Abdullateef Fowewe

Bayelsa State Governor, ‪Douye Diri‬ has announced a historic milestone on Wednesday with the maiden commercial flight of one of two newly acquired state aircraft, landing at Bayelsa International Airport, Yenagoa, from Abuja.

Diri in a statement said, “Today, history was made as we landed at the Bayelsa International Airport, Yenagoa, from Abuja on board one of our two newly acquired aircraft for its inaugural commercial flight.”

The Governor was accompanied by the Minister of State Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D; NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Ph.D; delegation from the National Assembly, State House of Assembly members, elder statesmen, and other senior officials.

The Governor emphasised the flight initiative’s economic importance, adding, “We are intentional about the economic development of our dear state and so, a daily flight operation to enhance movement into and out of Yenagoa, the state capital will now be sustained.”

At the brief ceremony, it was decided the aircraft would operate under a Bayelsa identity, either “Air Bayelsa” or “Bayelsa Air,” with management by Pioneer Airlines, owned by local aviation expert Captain Henry Ungbuku.

“Congratulations to all Bayelsans!” the Governor concluded, marking a new era in the state’s connectivity and economic prospects.