The attainment of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by Pioneer Airline has drawn commendation from the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who described the development as a major boost for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Minister received the management team of Pioneer Airline during a courtesy visit to formally present the airline’s AOC certificate. He expressed delight over the increasing participation of sub-national governments in aviation development, noting that such involvement would deepen domestic and regional air connectivity.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr. Tunde Moshood, the Minister said the Federal Government remains committed to supporting indigenous airlines through favourable policies and financing initiatives.
Hon. Keyamo stated: “Today is one of my happiest days as Minister because we are beginning to see more sub-nationals getting involved in the airline business. We have not stopped at developing policies, and Pioneer Airlines is coming at a time when the Federal Government is ready to fully support domestic airline operators through a Special Purpose Vehicle in the form of the Nigerian Leasing Company.”
The Minister further disclosed that Pioneer Airline would likely benefit from the proposed Nigerian Leasing Company initiative. The programme is designed to ease aircraft acquisition challenges facing domestic carriers and strengthen operational sustainability within the industry.
Meanwhile, Hon. Keyamo stressed that the emergence of more indigenous airlines would significantly improve Nigeria’s domestic and regional aviation markets. He explained that the country already has a strong passenger market capable of supporting more regional airline operations.
“My ultimate prayer is to have enough sub-national airlines to keep fighting for the regional routes because we have the market. For instance, we have about 277 frequencies being operated weekly by international airlines. Imagine what would happen if we have enough sub-national airlines participating actively in those regional operations,” the Minister added.
Pioneer Airline Response
The Pioneer Airline delegation was led by the Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku. The visit also provided an opportunity for the airline to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies for their support throughout the certification process.
Capt. Ungbuku described the successful acquisition of the AOC as a significant milestone for Bayelsa State and a major achievement for the airline. He commended Hon. Keyamo for his commitment to creating an enabling environment for indigenous carriers operating within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
According to him, the certification demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen domestic aviation and encourage local participation in the sector. He added that Pioneer Airline remains committed to supporting economic growth and improving regional connectivity across Nigeria.
Group Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, receiving the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for non-scheduled flight operations from the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, during the presentation ceremony held at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.
NCAA Charges Pioneer to be Safety Conscious
Earlier, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) formally granted Pioneer Airlines the AOC, approving the carrier to commence non-scheduled flight operations after successfully completing the mandatory five-phase certification process.
Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, congratulated the airline for meeting all regulatory and safety requirements during the certification exercise conducted by the NCAA.
Capt. Najomo described the certification process as thorough and safety driven. He stressed that obtaining the AOC marked the beginning of greater operational responsibilities for the airline, adding that NCAA oversight would intensify to ensure strict compliance with approved regulations and procedures.
He also urged Pioneer Airlines to maintain a strong safety culture while embracing voluntary compliance and internal reporting systems to prevent operational lapses.
Responding during the NCAA presentation ceremony in Abuja, Capt. Ungbuku also expressed appreciation to the NCAA management led by Capt. Najomo and members of the certification team for their professionalism, guidance, and support throughout the certification exercise.
He assured that Pioneer Airlines would maintain the safety standards that earned the airline its certification and continue operating in line with global best practices.
In addition, the meeting ended with renewed assurances of collaboration between the Ministry and Pioneer Airline. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing aviation development, improving connectivity, and expanding opportunities within the nation’s air transport sector.
The development comes at a time when Nigeria continues to push for stronger indigenous airline participation in regional operations. Industry stakeholders believe more local carriers would reduce dependence on foreign operators while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
The Nigerian aviation industry has also witnessed renewed policy support targeted at improving airline operations, safety standards, and access to aircraft financing. Stakeholders expect initiatives such as the proposed Nigerian Leasing Company to support fleet expansion for domestic operators.
