Bayelsa State on Tuesday officially joined the league of sub-national entities operating scheduled commercial flights as its first state-owned ATR-72/600 aircraft landed at the Bayelsa International Airport to loud cheers and a traditional water cannon salute.
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The aircraft, with Governor Douye Diri and about 50 dignitaries on board, departed Abuja at 9:30 a.m. and touched down in Yenagoa at 10:40 a.m.
Speaking at the airport ceremony, Governor Diri described the event as the fulfilment of a six-year promise to provide reliable air links for Bayelsans.
“Today, that promise takes wing. Bayelsa is launching its own commercial air services,” the governor said, announcing that the aircraft, currently registered under Pioneer Airline, will be immediately re-registered as “Air Bayelsa” or “Bayelsa Air” to reflect its status as a 100 per cent state-owned carrier.
The governor commended his predecessors , late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who initiated the airport project, and Senator Seriake Dickson, who completed it – while thanking Premium Trust Bank for financing the acquisition and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for its support.
The Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), disclosed that the airline will commence daily scheduled flights to Lagos and Abuja, with plans to expand to other Niger Delta states.
Senator Konbowei Benson, speaking on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, described the launch as evidence of Governor Diri’s visionary leadership.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who was on the flight, urged the state government to lead by example in sustaining the airline.
“I commend Governor Diri for this bold step. For Air Bayelsa to succeed and avoid the fate of many state-owned airlines, all government officials must pay their fares when they fly it. No free rides. Patronage starts with us,” Lokpobiri said.
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the launch as a game-changer for the region.
“This is a proud moment for Bayelsa and the entire Niger Delta. Air connectivity will boost commerce, tourism and unity. The NDDC stands ready to partner with Air Bayelsa in any way possible to ensure its success,” Ogbuku stated.
Other dignitaries on the historic flight included former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), members of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, PANDEF National Chairman Dr Boladei Igali, and Ijaw National Congress President Prof. Benjamin Okaba.
The second ATR-72/600 aircraft is expected to be delivered within weeks, giving Air Bayelsa a two-aircraft fleet at takeoff.
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