AOAG calls for rehabilitation, construction of additional hinterland runways

Aircraft owners across Guyana have collectively called for the rehabilitation of hinterland runways along with the construction of new ones, to foster increased travel and connectivity in the aviation industry.

President of the Aircraft Owners’ Association of Guyana (AOAG), Michael Correia Jnr., noted that, in recent years, the infrastructure in these locations have been ‘dismal’. The Association is currently comprised of Trans Guyana Airways, JAGS Aviation, Wings Aviation and Roraima Airways, which are key stakeholders in local travel around the country.
They are calling for the new Government to spearhead “a substantial programme to develop and permanently rehabilitate” all of the major hinterland runways.
“It is one of the major issues all the aircraft operators, without exception, have. We speak of the curse of the Dutch disease, but if we are to avoid it, we must diversify. The development of our hinterland is fundamental to this objective,” Correia posited.
According to him, investing in the construction of new runways will make travel safer, and accommodate larger passenger aircraft. One critical project which needs to be completed is the Lethem Runway initiative.
Back in 2018, US$100,000 was awarded for consultancy services to conduct a pre-feasibility study for the upgrading of the Lethem Aerodrome, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) into a regional airport.

In September of 2019, it was announced that rehabilitation works at Lethem aerodrome were expected to commence after a contract to the tune of $137 million was awarded to H Nauth & Sons.
The former APNU/AFC Government was looking to pave a 6,000-foot-long Lethem airstrip, which was also about to start. However, the contract catered for only some 4,000 feet.
In light of these calls, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill acknowledged the concerns, and stated that Government is working to develop the sector, while pointing towards the introduction of two new airstrips – after less than two months in office.
Other issues affecting the sector will also be addressed through consultation with the association.
“Since I’m Minister, I’ve taken to cabinet for the approval of the importation of seven new aircraft. I’ve taken to cabinet the approval for the establishment of two new airstrips…If you don’t invest, others will. That is why, as Guyanese and as a local organization of people who have been pioneers and risktakers and investors in this country, if you were content with what is presently taking place, I would like to infect you with a disease that is called ‘dream big’, because, as a country, we are going places,” Edghill emphasized.
While the Minister urged local stakeholders to invest in the sector, he advised them to steer clear of shortcuts which can compromise safety.
“It is the role of the operators to ensure that while we are looking at the bottom line, we don’t compromise standards as it relates to the shortcuts and cutting the edges, including the use of the limited pilots that are licensed in our country. Safety must be a standard.”