NCAA Approves Air Operator License for Pioneer Airlines

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an operating licence to Pioneer Airlines for unscheduled flight operations.

Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the NCAA’s Director General, presented the certificate to the airline’s management in Abuja yesterday and congratulated the company. He praised the airline’s high safety standards and emphasized the importance of maintaining them, noting that NCAA officials would continue to monitor operations to ensure compliance with best practices.

After receiving the certificate, Pioneer Airlines’ Managing Director, Capt. Henry Ungbuku, explained that the airline secured the certification in just over four months, citing its readiness for business as a key factor.

He said: “We have two aircraft, which are owned by the Bayelsa State Government. Before the certification process, the regulation required a minimum of six aircraft for scheduled operations.”

“Since we only had two, we applied for unscheduled operations, which cover charter and group bookings.”

“During the certification process, the civil aviation authority reviewed the requirements and reduced the aircraft threshold from six to two.”

“That is why we are applying for scheduled operations starting tomorrow (Thursday). The requirement is two aircraft, and we already have two.”

Ungbuku added that the company leases its aircraft from the Bayelsa State Government and will pay monthly lease rentals once operations commence.