The of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for indigenous airlines following the successful certification of Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airlines.
The Minister received the management team of Pioneer Airlines in Abuja after the carrier secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), a critical regulatory approval that clears the airline for commercial flight operations.
The delegation, led by the airline’s Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Ungbuku, presented the AOC certificate to the Minister and expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Ministry and its agencies throughout the certification process.
Ungbuku described the milestone as a major breakthrough for Bayelsa State and Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that it reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a more enabling environment for local carriers.
He also introduced key members of the airline’s management team, spanning operations, safety, commercial services, and human resources.
Welcoming the team, Keyamo said the development marked a significant step in expanding sub-national participation in Nigeria’s aviation industry. He noted that the emergence of state-backed carriers like Pioneer Airlines aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to deepen domestic capacity and strengthen regional connectivity.
“Today is one of my happiest days as Minister because we are beginning to see more sub-nationals getting involved in the airline business”, he said.
The Minister disclosed that Pioneer Airlines stands to benefit from the proposed Nigerian Leasing Company; an initiative designed to ease aircraft acquisition challenges for domestic operators through a Special Purpose Vehicle arrangement.
He added that increasing the number of indigenous and sub-national airlines would position Nigeria to better compete on regional routes currently dominated by foreign carriers, citing the high volume of international flight frequencies as a clear indicator of untapped market potential.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaboration aimed at boosting connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and advancing the overall development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.