The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate to Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airline, formally clearing the carrier to begin commercial flight operations in Nigeria.
The development was announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a post shared on his official X account on Thursday.
According to Keyamo, the certification marks a significant milestone for the new airline and signals the start of its commercial operations.
“Yesterday, the Bayelsa State-owned airline named PIONEER AIRLINE was presented its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the regulator,” he wrote, adding that the process was concluded by the aviation regulator.
The airline team, led by its Managing Director, Capt. Ungbuku, later paid a courtesy visit to the minister following the certification.
Keyamo linked the emergence of more state-owned carriers to aviation sector reforms introduced under the administration of Bola Tinubu.
He said the growing number of state-backed airlines reflects improved policy direction in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
According to him, these reforms are expected to encourage more states to participate in airline operations in the near future.
“This would significantly assist air travellers to have more choices of airlines with which they can travel,” the minister said.
The approval of Pioneer Airline adds to a growing list of state-affiliated carriers entering Nigeria’s aviation space, as regional governments increasingly explore air transport investments to boost connectivity and economic activity.
The move is expected to expand domestic flight options for passengers while increasing competition within the sector.
