By DANJUMA AMODU
ABUJA — The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has received the management of Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airlines following the issuance of its Air Operator Certificate.
The delegation, led by Group Managing Director Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, presented the AOC to the minister and thanked the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies for their support during the certification process, according to a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.
Ungbuku said the successful acquisition of the AOC was a major milestone for Bayelsa State and reflected the minister’s commitment to growing indigenous carriers.
“Today is one of my happiest days as Minister because we are beginning to see more sub-nationals getting involved in the airline business.”
— Festus Keyamo SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
“We appreciate your unwavering commitment towards the growth of indigenous carriers and for creating an enabling environment for operators within the aviation industry,” Ungbuku said.
He introduced other members of the management team present at the meeting, including Director of Corporate Services Mr. Tunde Owolabi; Director of Commercial & Customer Services Mrs. Adetola Ungbuku; Director of Operations Capt. Crosby Otobo; Director of Continuing Airworthiness Engr. Isaac Omotayo; Chief Pilot Capt. Mamman Ibrahim; Head of Human Resources Angela Okosun; Quality & Safety Manager Emmanuel Nwaneri; Business Development Manager Lewis Ogunboye; Executive Assistant to the GMD Godwin Okore; Abuja Station Supervisor Victory Gordon; and Aviation Security Personnel Mr. Muyideen.
Keyamo welcomed the delegation and said he was pleased to see more sub-national governments entering 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 said.
The minister said Pioneer Airlines would be among the beneficiaries of the proposed Nigerian Leasing Company initiative, designed to ease aircraft acquisition challenges for local operators.
He added that the emergence of more indigenous and sub-national airlines would 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,” Keyamo said. “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 ministry and Pioneer Airlines agreed to collaborate on deepening connectivity, boosting economic growth, and advancing the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
