Guyana’s aviation industry celebrating centennial anniversary this month

In 1913, Guyana had its first airplane flight. The initial flight was undertaken by a German-American man who took off from the then Canon race course (now Bel Air Park) and went around the city.

And from that time to now there has been overwhelm¬ing developments in the civil aviation industry. This is evident in the number of airstrips spread throughout the country, private aviation operators, and the continuous investments in the develop¬ment of the Cheddi Jagan International and Ogle airports.
Several activities have been planned to mark the 100th anniversary milestone. On the calendar of events are the turning of the sod for the new Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) head office at Ogle on March 23; a reenactment of the first flight and an air show by the Brazilian Smoke Squadron on March 24; an aviation exhibition and open day at the Ogle airport on March 25; followed by an aviation symposium, exhibition and commissioning of expansion project at Ogle airport, aerial display for fallen aviators, the opening of Wings Aviation Ltd hangar and an Evening of Reflections on March 28.
The curtains will come down on the observances on March 30 with a dinner and awards ceremony, and the launch of the ‘100 Years of Aviation Magazine’ that will contain excerpts about Guyana’s history of avia¬tion and contributions being made by private operators. Special attention will also be placed on women in the aviation industry and their contributions to Guyana.
Some of the other activities include social gatherings, a fitness walk, quiz, photo display at CJIA, and Ogle airport, as well as sports and career talks in schools. The latter is being supported by the various stakeholders.
Transport Minister Robeson Benn expressed satisfaction that the Brazilian Squadron would be playing a role in the celebrations.
“It is also important because the early days of flying were propelled by a Brazilian aviator – Alberto Santos Dumont did much to help propel aviation,” he said.
“The introduction of aviation to Guyana has put in motion events, which have seen us now as a young country doing a lot of the things which would have previously been done by foreigners, expatriates and others… Guyanese engineers and aviators not only dominate in Guyana itself, but are also significant players in the region and worldwide,” Minister Benn said.
He further emphasised that these achievements should be built on and while there have been disappointments along the way, this year, particularly; there are many reasons to celebrate. Minister Benn added that the Ogle airport will also be launched as a regional airport. Some Gy$1 billion is being invested on new air navigation systems and the runway expansion.
Enhancing industry
The construction of a new modern terminal building and expansion of the runway at the CJIA are also slated to commence shortly.
“These projects will all not only increase our profile in the industry as a country, but also our competitiveness… make us more competitive with respect to aviation in this part of the world,” Minister Benn said.
Importantly, Guyana is in a very good position with respect to aviation and, “we want to open up the envelope, stimulate more opportunities for flights further from South America and east to west flights to Africa, Asia and India,” he added.
Minister Benn highlighted that Prime Minister Samuel Hinds recently had a nine-hour flight to West Africa from Suriname – if he had used the traditional northern route, the flight would have taken 36 hours.