GDF Skyvan 8R-GGK retiree after 38 years in operation

The final flight of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Shorts Skyvan 8R-GGK landed at Air Station London, at Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) to a traditional water cannon salute, followed by a final salute from the officers and ranks of the Air Corps during a solemn and auspicious ceremony held to officially retire the aircraft.

The ceremony held on Thursday was the first of its kind facilitated by the GDF. Skyvan 8R-GGK has served the GDF for the last 21 years and has been in service to Guyana for 35 years.
It was manufactured in 1984 by Shorts Brothers Limited in Belfast, Ireland, and was registered G-BLLI (Gulf-Bravo Lima Lima India). The Barbadian Government purchased it on September 3, 1984 and registered it 8P-ASG (Eight Papa-Alpha Sierra Gulf).
The aircraft was purchased by the Guyana Civil Aviation Department (CAD) from Barbados and it was flown to Guyana on July 25, 1987, under the command of Captain Gerry Gouveia, who is currently the National Security Advisor.
It was later transferred to Guyana Airways until May 2001, when it was again transferred this time to the GDF.

During its time in operation, the 8R-GGK has made numerous flights, most notable being its deployment in 1989, to the islands of the Lesser Antilles for humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations following Hurricane Hugo.
In 1990, it transported a company of GDF soldiers to Trinidad to aid in peace restoration following the Jamaat al Muslimeen coup; it flew almost continually for 24 hours, making four round trips to the twin-island republic – in excess of 2424 nautical miles.
In 2007, during the Cricket World Cup, it transported the team’s equipment around the Caribbean for the matches. Excluding Presidents Arthur Chung, LFS Burnham and Janet Jagan, every President of Guyana has flown on the aircraft as well as a few Heads of State from other countries, with the last being Barbados’s Prime Minister, Mia Mottley.
Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, in his closing remarks to the gathering, posited that recognition and appreciation must be given where it is due. He also announced that the 8R-GGK would be mounted in a prominent place at Air Station London and its history and contribution to the development of Guyana, displayed for future generations.
Brigadier Bess also noted that the 8R-GGK has made unparalleled contributions to national development.
The 8R-GGK has served the GDF and Guyana in numerous ways and has flown a total of 25,408:36 hours and completed a total of 26,937 take-offs and landings. (GDF)