Pioneer Airlines commences maiden flight to Yenagoa….Douye Diri says its a dream come true
On Monday, May 25, 2026, Pioneer Airlines commenced non-scheduled flight operations with one of the aircraft acquired by the Bayelsa State government, an ATR 72-600.
The historic flight into the world of commercial aviation was flown by Captain M. Ibrahim and First Officer Joyce, a female co-pilot, in the cockpit.
The aircraft taxied off the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 11:00hrs and, following clearance from the control tower, was airborne at 11:10hrs en route the Bayelsa International Airport.
Interestingly, on board the air-bird was the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri, who was Passenger 1A.
Seated with him in the cabin were a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife, the Special Adviser to the Govern...