Airlines continue to show confidence in Guyana’s aviation sector

– several began operations in 2014

As Government continues to propel Guyana as a viable tourist destination, investors’ confidence continues to be stronger, and this fact can be proved through a number of activities in the various sectors. One such sector is the growing aviation industry and this is very much needed for a tourism industry to really prosper.

Over the years, a number of new airlines commenced serving the Guyana route, primarily in 2014.  COPA Airlines began flying to Guyana on July 11, offering services to this destination twice weekly.

Also, Curacao registered Insel Air began operations from Miami to Guyana in June 2014. This Airline also flies to Curacao and Aruba, and offers twice weekly flights.

The Venezuelan State owned carrier, Conviasa which began flying to Guyana in the latter part of 2013, expanded flights to Guyana in 2014 to twice weekly, serving the Puerto Ordaz-Georgetown-Puerto Ordaz routes.

Dynamic airways which began operations in June of 2014 encountered difficulties and only resumed operations in November. The airline has since been plagued by technical problems, resulting in flight delays, but has promised to provide a better service.

In terms of domestic carriers, Jags Aviation, a subsidiary group under BK International, opened its doors in August, with a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX. This aircraft has a passenger seating capacity of 13 and will be used as a local transportation vehicle, for remote hinterland and outlying tourism attractions. On December 23, the company added an M28 Sky Truck aircraft to its fleet.

Meanwhile, the Golden Arrow Airways has been conducting tours to Kaieteur Falls/Orinduik, after officially being launched in May.

Late in 2014, the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) commissioned an Aviation Services Fuel Handling facility at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. This US$3.5 million project is phase one of an overall venture, which comprises the construction of the terminal at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Overall, there has also been a significant growth in the national fleet, in which there are currently 54 planes on the register and another 11, which are being considered by the Civil Aviation Authority. This good news was pointed out by Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, at the observance of International Civil Aviation Day, in December.