By Joe Udo
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Monday, was among passengers on the inaugural flight marking Pioneer Airlines’ entry into commercial aviation operations
The flight was operated using an ATR 72-600 aircraft owned by the Bayelsa State Government but operated under a lease arrangement with Pioneer Airlines, a private owned aviation company
The non-scheduled service departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 11:10 AM after receiving clearance from air traffic control, following taxi operations at about 11:00 AM.
The aircraft was piloted by Captain M. Ibrahim, with First Officer Joyce serving as co-pilot.
Governor Diri, who occupied seat 1A, was joined on the maiden voyage by former House of Representatives member Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, and five aides.
The aircraft landed at the Bayelsa International Airport at 12:15 PM after a smooth one-hour and five-minute flight.
See photos below:
