The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airlines will be among the expected beneficiaries of the proposed Nigerian Leasing Company initiative designed to ease aircraft acquisition challenges for indigenous carriers.
According to the Minister’s Special Adviser On Media and Communications , Tunde Moshood who disclosed this in a press release, Keyamo made this known while receiving the management team of Pioneer Airlines following the successful issuance of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
The delegation, led by the Group Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, visited the Minister to formally present the airline’s AOC certificate and appreciate the support provided by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies during the certification process.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s aviation industry, particularly with the growing participation of sub-national governments in airline operations.
According to him, Pioneer Airlines is coming into the sector at a time when the Federal Government is preparing to support local operators through a Special Purpose Vehicle in the form of the Nigerian Leasing Company.
He further stated that Pioneer Airlines would soon become one of the beneficiaries of the proposed Nigerian Leasing Company initiative aimed at easing aircraft acquisition challenges for local operators.
Keyamo noted that the initiative is expected to strengthen domestic airlines by providing easier access to aircraft, thereby reducing one of the major operational hurdles faced by Nigerian carriers.
The Minister added that the emergence of more indigenous and sub-national airlines would boost Nigeria’s domestic and regional aviation markets.He said his goal is to see more Nigerian airlines actively participating in regional routes currently dominated by foreign operators.
According to Keyamo, international airlines currently operate about 277 frequencies weekly into Nigeria. He stressed that increased participation by local carriers in regional operations would create more opportunities for the country’s aviation sector.
Capt. Ungbuku thanked the Minister for his commitment to the development of indigenous airlines and for creating an enabling environment for operators in the aviation industry.
He described the successful acquisition of the AOC as a major milestone for Bayelsa State and a reflection of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen domestic aviation.
The Pioneer Airlines management team at the meeting included Mr. Tunde Owolabi, Director of Corporate Services; Mrs. Adetola Ungbuku, Director of Commercial and Customer Services; Capt. Crosby Otobo, Director of Operations; Engr. Isaac Omotayo, Director of Continuing Airworthiness; Capt. Mamman Ibrahim, Chief Pilot; Angela Okosun, Head of Human Resources; Emmanuel Nwaneri, Quality and Safety Manager; Lewis Ogunboye, Business Development Manager; Godwin Okore, Executive Assistant to the GMD; Victory Gordon, Abuja Station Supervisor; and Mr. Muyideen, Aviation Security Personnel.
The meeting ended with assurances of continued collaboration between the Ministry and Pioneer Airlines to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and advance Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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