By SHEDRACK FRANK

Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa, on Wednesday, flew one of the state’s two newly-acquired aircraft from Abuja to the state’s airport at Amassoma, near Yenagoa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ATR-72/600 aircraft, which is for commercial purposes, had other 50 passengers and crew on board.

The aircraft, acquired by Pioneer Airlines and banked rolled by Premium Trust Bank for the state, will operate mainly on Lagos and Abuja routes.

Others in the aircraft are the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Adm. Gboribiogha John-Jonah, (rtd), members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri.

Others are the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Ben Okaba, and the National Chairman, Pan Nigerian Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali, among others.

Diri described the inauguration as historic as it underscored his administration’s commitment to connect the people of the state to other parts of the country and the world by air.

According to him, “Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa an air connectivity and opportunities. Today Bayelsa is launching its own commercial air services.

“On behalf of your Government of Renewed Hope for Assured Prosperity, I am delighted to commission the first of two ATR-72/600 aircraft, each configured to carry 72 passengers and crew.

“This achievement marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity for Bayelsa.

“It will bring regular and reliable air services that fuel modern commerce and development, connecting businesses to new markets, and empowering our people to thrive,” he said.

Diri explained that he had directed that the aircraft be registered under the name: Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing operations.

He added that the story would not be complete without acknowledging the pioneering role of his predecessors, particularly the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who conceptualised an airport at the current location.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Air Vice-Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), said the airline would not only operate the Lagos and Abuja routes daily but also other Niger Delta states.

Also, the Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Captain Henry Ungbuku, said the company was glad to have met the aspirations of the people of the state and Niger Delta in general.

He thanked governor Diri for believing in him and the airline and for entrusting it with the responsibility of operating the state-owned aircraft, assuring that he would not let Bayelsa down.

The Managing Director/ CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said it was a remarkable achievement to have played a strategic role in the acquisition of the aircraft.

Similarly, Sen. Konbowei Benson, who spoke on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, hailed the governor’s vision and pledged their support for the developmental efforts of the state government.

Lokpobiri, equally lauded Diri and urged the state government to sustain the airline’s flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying the aircraft.

Ogbuku described the development as a welcome development, adding that it would connect the people of the state to other parts of the country. (NAN)