The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, 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, according to a press release by the ministry, was led by the Group Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Capt. 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, Capt. Ungbuku thanked the Honourable Minister for his unwavering commitment towards the growth of indigenous carriers and for creating an enabling environment for operators within the aviation industry. He noted that the successful acquisition of the AOC was a major milestone for Bayelsa State and a testament to the Minister’s dedication to strengthening domestic aviation in Nigeria.
Capt. Ungbuku also introduced members of the Pioneer Airlines management team present at the meeting, including Mr. Tunde Owolabi, Director of Corporate Services; Mrs. Adetola Ungbuku, Director of Commercial & Customer Services; Capt. Crosby Otobo, Director of Operations; Engr. Isaac Omotayo, Director of Continuing Airworthiness; Capt. Mamman Ibrahim, Chief Pilot; Angela Okosun, Head of Human Resources; Emmanuel Nwaneri, Quality & Safety Manager; Lewis Ogunboye, Business Development Manager; Godwin Okore, Executive Assistant to the GMD; Victory Gordon, Abuja Station Supervisor; and Mr. Muyideen, Aviation Security Personnel.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed delight over the growing participation of sub-national governments in the aviation sector.
According to the Minister, “Today is one of my happiest days as Minister because we are beginning to see more sub-nationals 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 added 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 to keep fighting for the 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 have enough sub-national airlines participating actively in those regional operations,” the Minister said.
The visit concluded with renewed assurances of collaboration between the Ministry and Pioneer Airlines towards deepening connectivity, boosting economic growth, and advancing the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
