Pioneer Airlines has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, marking a significant milestone for regional air transport connectivity across Southern Nigeria.
The airline’s promoter and Managing Director, Henry Ungbuku, described the certification as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition and a major breakthrough for aviation development in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking shortly after the presentation of the certificate on Wednesday, Ungbuku expressed appreciation to the NCAA, the airline’s technical team, and the Bayelsa State Government for supporting the demanding certification process.
“I’m so excited because a dream as a child has become a reality today,” he said.
He commended the NCAA for providing regulatory guidance throughout the process, noting that the agency ensured the airline adhered strictly to operational and safety standards.
According to him, Pioneer Airlines remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in its operations.
“Aero Contractors was known for safety and Pioneer Airlines is 100 per cent in that line. No compromise. We will never cut corners,” he stated.
Ungbuku, a former pilot with Aero Contractors, also credited the airline’s progress to teamwork and the support of aviation veteran Captain Crosby, whom he described as a mentor and father figure to the company.
He further disclosed that Pioneer Airlines completed its certification process within four and a half months, significantly below the industry average of between eight months and two years.
The airline said its immediate operational strategy is to improve direct connectivity across Southern Nigeria, using Port Harcourt and Yenagoa as key operational hubs.
Under the proposed route network, passengers would be able to travel directly between southern cities including Calabar, Warri, Benin City and Enugu without transiting through Abuja or Lagos.
The airline management also revealed plans to commence scheduled commercial operations following recent regulatory adjustments by the NCAA, which reduced the minimum aircraft requirement for scheduled services from six to two aircraft.
“From tomorrow, we are applying for scheduled operations. Very soon people will be able to go on our website and book flights across Southern Nigeria,” Ungbuku said.
Pioneer Airlines clarified that while the Bayelsa State Government owns the aircraft assets, the airline operates as a private carrier under a dry lease arrangement.
According to the management, the partnership allows the airline to commercially operate and manage the aircraft while generating lease revenue for the state government.
Industry stakeholders say the airline’s entry into the market could strengthen regional aviation development in Southern Nigeria by reducing dependence on Lagos and Abuja as major transit hubs for inter-state travel.
