Govt lambasts American Airlines’ shabby treatment of visiting Heads of State

The Guyana Government has once again called out American Airlines over its refusal to grant VIP treatment to high-ranking officials travelling with the carrier from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri.
This recent expression of disappointment comes on the heels of the airline’s treatment of two Caribbean Heads of State, who were leaving Guyana after an official visit for the opening of the International Energy Conference on Tuesday.

According to a statement from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry in Georgetown on Wednesday, the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, had to face inconvenience on their departure from the CJIA earlier on Wednesday.
It was explained that all Government protocols were put in place to facilitate their departure, but they were not facilitated by the United States-based airline.
“Despite American Airlines having been written to prior to the arrival of the Prime Ministers in Guyana, for them to be accorded the courtesies of check-in on departure from the VIP Lounge [at the CJIA], the airline refused to acquiesce to the Ministry’s request and insisted that the Prime Ministers leave the Lounge to present themselves to the check-in counter,” the missive detailed.
As a consequence of this incident, the Foreign Affairs Ministry indicated that Government intended to “formally communicate its displeasure of this most recent action by the airline that has caused embarrassment not only nationally, but also to our regional friends”.
Moreover, the Guyana Government pointed out that it had previously protested this position taken by American Airlines against its own high and senior Government officials. But, according to the Foreign Ministry, the airline has continued to “pay scant regard” to the Government’s requests for entitlements to the positions held to be respected.

Back in March 2022, American Airlines came under fire after delaying a flight that President Dr Irfaan Ali and his entourage were on, for more than four hours. The flight, 1512, was booked to fly the Guyanese leader and his delegation to the Miami International Airport (MIA).
In a letter to local authorities, the airline explained that the four-hour, 13-minute delay was due to a mechanical failure.
“The Captain in command of the flight made an announcement from the cockpit to all passengers on board the aircraft at approximately 07:45. The Captain then proceeded to communicate directly with the President, where he offered an apology. The President requested to be deplaned at 08:22 and this request was facilitated as quickly as possible,” the airline said.
Eventually, the flight was able to depart after they were able to successfully start the engine. But this would not be the end of the ordeal as further delays occurred when the plane landed at the Miami International Airport. American Airlines had even admitted that this was not conveyed to the President and his team.
“We own this failure and have taken immediate actions to ensure it does not happen in the future… Our Government Affairs Manager and local management will provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective protocol offices with frequent updates should there be a flight delay or any issues in the future… American Airlines is proud to serve Guyana, and we are committed to offering the best product and service possible, especially when welcoming someone such as His Excellency on board our aircraft. We did not live up to that commitment, and wholeheartedly regret and apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the airline had stated in its letter of apology.
In November 2021, the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry had expressed grave concerns over a series of flights cancellations by American Airlines.
“On average 44 per cent of AA flights from Guyana over the last six months have been delayed. Additionally, an average of two flights monthly have been cancelled. The Government of Guyana has received numerous complaints about the manner in which customers are treated when there are cancellation,” the Ministry had noted.
American Airlines made its inaugural flight to Guyana in November 2018 and currently operates direct flights from the CJIA to the Miami International Airport and the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York. (G8)