Keyamo urges more sub‑national airlines to serve domestic and regional routes

By Dickson Omobola

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said that the emergence of more sub‑national airlines would strengthen Nigeria’s domestic and regional aviation markets.

Keyamo also noted that with about 277 frequencies being operated weekly by international airlines, state‑owned carriers could help bridge the gap.

The minister made these remarks while meeting the management team of Bayelsa State‑owned Pioneer Airlines after the airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

The Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, issued a statement that the delegation was led by Pioneer’s Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Ungbuku.

Moshood said Ungbuku thanked the minister for his unwavering commitment to the growth of indigenous carriers and for creating an enabling environment for operators within the aviation industry.

Keyamo also expressed delight over the growing participation of sub‑national governments in the aviation sector.

Quoting the minister, the statement read: “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.”

“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 had enough sub‑national airlines participating actively in those regional operations.”

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