Nigeria’s major operator, Air Peace has made a historic landing as the first commercial airline to fly into the newly-built Bayelsa International Airport, amidst euphoria and excitement of the people of the state.
The flight operated by Capt. Crosby Otobo and his crew took off from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, at about 2.50pm and landed on the 3.5-kilometre runway of the Bayelsa International Airport at about 3.35 pm.
The flight was welcomed by a crowd of overjoyed indigenes and residents of Bayelsa, including the state Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson and top government officials.
The flight was also honoured by men of the Fire Service Department, who positioned with their trucks on both sides of the runway and sprayed arcs of water to salute the aircraft.
Air Peace commended Dickson for undertaking such a lofty project.
The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, said the airport would be a vehicle for the industrial and economic development of the state.
“Air Peace is an airline of many firsts. We are indeed honoured and delighted to make another history as the first commercial airline to operate into the Bayelsa Airport.
“Since we commenced commercial flight operations over four years ago, Air Peace has greatly contributed to the development of cities and states we operate into.
“We have no doubt that the Bayelsa International Airport will provide us an opportunity to support the effort of the Bayelsa State Government to develop the state.
“It is indeed a new dawn for the people and residents of Bayelsa State. We urge the flying public and the business community to take advantage of this wonderful facility to break new grounds and realise their business and leisure interests”, Olajide said.