NCAA grants operating licence to Bayelsa-owned airline

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airline, paving the way for the carrier to begin commercial flight operations in Nigeria.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development on Thursday in a post shared on his official X account.

According to the minister, the certification formally authorises the airline to operate commercial flights after meeting the regulatory requirements set by the NCAA.

“Yesterday, the Bayelsa State-owned airline named Pioneer Airline was presented its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the regulator, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), signalling the beginning of its commercial operations,” Keyamo wrote.

He revealed that the airline’s management team, led by its Managing Director, Capt. Ungbuku, later paid him a courtesy visit following the presentation of the certificate.

Keyamo attributed the growing number of state-owned airlines in the country to reforms introduced under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He stated that recent aviation policies by the Federal Government had created an enabling environment for investment and expansion within the sector.

“I remarked at the occasion that the rise in state-owned airlines is a result of excellent aviation policies put in place by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we should expect more of such in the near future,” the minister said.

He added that the entry of more airlines into the market would increase competition and provide passengers with wider travel options across domestic routes.

The certification of Pioneer Airline marks another addition to Nigeria’s expanding aviation sector as state governments increasingly explore air transportation investments to boost connectivity and economic activities.