Managing Director of newly certified Pioneer Airline, Capt. Henry Ungbuku, has disclosed that the process of obtaining an Air Operator Certificate from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority was highly rigorous and completed in record time.
Capt. Ungbuku spoke on Thursday at the Government House, Yenagoa, after presenting the certificate to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the airline would commence flight operations from the Bayelsa International Airport on May 25.
The Bayelsa State Government had in 2025 acquired two aircraft under a partnership arrangement with Pioneer Airline as part of efforts to boost commercial aviation activities in the state.
One of the aircraft, an ATR 72-600, successfully carried out its inaugural flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to the Bayelsa International Airport on November 26, 2025, before undergoing the NCAA certification process for commercial operations.
Ungbuku, who was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Bayelsa International Airport, Air Vice Marshal Nelson Calmday (retd.), said the airline secured the certification within four and a half months with the backing of the state government.
According to him, the feat made Pioneer Airline the fastest airline to obtain an Air Operator Certificate in Nigeria.
“At our meeting with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Honourable Minister of Aviation in Abuja on Wednesday, they confirmed that Pioneer Airline is the fastest to get an Air Operator Certificate in Nigeria.
“Normally, it takes between eight months and two years, but we got it in four and a half months,” he stated.
Ungbuku attributed the speedy process to Governor Diri’s commitment to ensuring that commercial flight operations commence in Bayelsa State.
He also appreciated the governor for supporting the airline throughout the certification process.
“We came today to say thank you, Your Excellency, for all the support you have given us,” he said.
The airline boss explained that Pioneer Airline operates under a dry lease agreement with the Bayelsa State Government, noting that the government owns the aircraft while the airline pays monthly lease rentals for operations.
According to him, approval to formally brand the aircraft as Bayelsa Air is still being awaited from the NCAA.
He disclosed that ticket bookings would open within seven to 10 days ahead of the official launch date.
“It is not a direct scheduled service yet. However, you can book through designated ticketing and travel agencies or arrange group bookings and charter to anywhere in Nigeria.
“If you want an aircraft to fly to Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna or anywhere today, we are ready to fly,” Ungbuku added.
