Expansion of Guyana’s main airport would pave the way for more US carriers – Hardt

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An artist's impression of CJIA's new terminal
An artist’s impression of CJIA’s new terminal

Former US Ambassador D Brent Hardt said the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project would pave the way for more US-based airlines to operate in Guyana.

Hardt, who demitted office last Saturday, told Guyana Times International that a number of American carriers have signalled their interest. He explained during a recent interview with this newspaper that US-based carriers had set their eyes on Guyana during the crafting of their “medium- and long-term” plans.

“Certainly, the expansion of the airport would open up doors to different types of planes,” the US Ambassador added.

The US$138 million CJIA Expansion Project, which has thus far failed to receive the support of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), is set to be completed in August 2015. The project will enhance the country’s ability to accommodate larger categories of aircraft, thereby tapping into the North and South American markets.

The project will see Guyana’s main port boasting a runway of 10,800 feet to accommodate large transatlantic aircraft, a new terminal building, eight boarding bridges, elevators, escalators, three dimensional X-ray scanners, and flight information and security monitoring systems.

Even as the project progresses, Guyana’s aviation sector continues to grow with TravelSpan and Dynamic Airways commencing operations. The US carriers, unlike the other airlines, are offering direct flights to the United States.

In a previous interview with GTI, the US Ambassador had indicated that US-based carriers were concerned with the fuel subsidy given to Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines.

In May 2013, Delta Airlines wrapped up operations in the country to concentrate on other business deals. The inability to fill its planes to capacity and drug trafficking via the CJIA were among other concerns expressed by Delta.

But Ambassador Hardt said although Delta Airlines has left Guyana’s market on the basis of profitability, other American carriers have vested interests, but are demanding a level playing field.

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