ASL expands fleet with 4 new US$3.5M aircraft 

Just days after alleging that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) restrictions were threatening its operations, Air Services Limited (ASL) has added four new aircraft to its fleet, bringing its total to 50. Chairman Captain Ahamad Mazahar Ally had accused the GCAA of informal instructions to halt flights to Matthews Ridge, Region One (Barima–Waini) and suspending a pilot, citing daily losses of up to $5 million. The GCAA maintained its actions were precautionary and legally mandated, following an incident at the runway on Sunday last.
The four new aircraft, each valued at approximately US$3.5 million, are outfitted with features including minibars, stylish seating, and premium accommodations and are tailored for private and high-end trips. Each aircraft is equipped with a lavatory and executive seating for nine passengers but can also be configured to carry up to 13 passengers in a standard layout. The aircraft arrived from Panama and the United States.
“This growth means that, regionally, we are able to reach more foreign locations quicker and more comfortably. We are expecting to add another two of this type once everything checks out and goes well,” a company representative stated last week.
In terms of overall capacity, the company noted that while it now owns approximately 50 aircraft, including planes and helicopters, about 28 aircraft are in active service, covering areas such as passenger transport, agriculture, and other aviation operations.
Fixed-base operation
During an interview with this publication Mazahar Ally revealed plans for expansion at Timehri.
“We are also planning further at Timehri to open up a fixed-base operation… This is mainly for the storage of our aircraft, and we are looking further into private jets as well. We are aiming to complete this by the end of the year.”
He added that the facility is already secured, with financing in place, and that engineers are currently finalising designs.
“The facility will cost between US$25 million and US$30 million, as extensive work is required, including construction of the hangar, tarmac, apron, and overall setup.”
He further revealed that the space, currently in its building phase, will be equipped to assist aircraft, particularly foreign carriers, that encounter issues such as punctures or other maintenance problems.
The facility will provide parking, meals, transportation, and other essential services to accommodate passengers and crew transiting through the region on private carriers. Additionally, airlines facing operational challenges will be able to utilise the facility for support and to return their aircraft to service.
Meanwhile, lending his perspective, Chief Executive Officer Tarick Ramnarase reflected on the company’s history and growth over the decades, linking it to the company’s exponential growth.
He explained that ASL has been operating for over 60 years and was a major force at the aerodrome long before his time.
“I was told that the tower used to be very small, and where we are standing was once swamp. To see it evolve today and to now have machines like these in Guyana is truly significant. It is the first of its kind in the country, and very soon this will be geared towards executive flying only,” he stated.