Pioneer Airlines began non-scheduled operations on Monday, May 25, 2026, using an ATR 72-600 acquired by the Bayelsa State government and operated by the private carrier.
According to a statement by Daniel Alabrah , Chief Press Secretary, to the governor on Monday, May 25, 2026, the inaugural commercial flight departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 11:10hrs after taxiing at 11:00hrs and receiving air traffic clearance.
Captain M. Ibrahim commanded the flight with First Officer Joyce serving as co-pilot.
On board was Bayelsa State Governor Sen. Douye Diri, designated Passenger 1A. Also in the cabin were former House of Representatives member Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife, Special Adviser on Political Matters 1 High Chief Collins Cocodia, and five of the governor’s aides.
After a smooth flight lasting one hour and five minutes, the aircraft landed at Bayelsa International Airport at 12:15hrs. The partnership with Pioneer Airlines marks Bayelsa’s entry into commercial aviation and is expected to boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
Governor Diri praised the airline’s capacity and expressed optimism about a productive partnership that supports his administration’s vision for transforming Bayelsa.
