Govt working to get direct flights to The Netherlands

– FlyAllways to operate direct flights between Guyana and Canada

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that the government is looking to expand flight options to Europe through the Netherlands.
Only last month, United Kingdom’s national carrier, British Airways, started operating flights from Guyana to London via St Lucia.
But according to Jagdeo, Government is now working to get the flagship carrier of the Netherlands – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – to operate direct flights here.
“So, we’re in the process of encouraging airlines to come. We’re pleased that British Airways would give us access through Europe. We’re trying to work with KLM to see if we can get into Amsterdam directly,” the Vice President said at a press conference on Thursday.
KLM has been building up its network of the long-haul international flight and has a strong presence in the Latin America and Caribbean region. The airline currently flies direct to 17 destinations in the region including neighbouring Suriname and Brazil.
Jagdeo’s remarks come on the heels of two regional airlines – Dominican Republic-based SkyCana and Suriname’s Fly Always – announcing plans to fly the Guyana-Canada route.
According to the Vice President, it is in Guyana’s best interest to get as many airlines to come to operate here, which could possibly make the country a hub for regional travel.
He added too that greater competition in Guyana’s aviation industry would not only provide more choices but also see lowered airfares. Moreover, he noted that it would further enhance the country’s freight capacity, which would have a big impact on local exports, particularly perishable exports.
Nonetheless, Jagdeo pointed out that while the government is engaging a large number of international airlines to come here, they still have to undergo a rigorous regulatory process before they can get permission to start operations here – something which he declared that politicians do not interfere with.
“They all have to go through a very stringent regulatory process and that is [done by] a technical body that the politicians don’t get involved in. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) – headed by Mr [Egbert] Fields has to ensure that these airlines meet certain international standards before they’re licensed to fly to Guyana,” he noted.
On Wednesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed on his Facebook page that SkyCana would commence flying Guyana to Canada route from June 1, 2023. The airline will also fly to Houston, Texas in the United States.
The Head of State made this announcement after meeting with SkyCana’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank Diaz Gonzalez, at the Office of the President earlier on Wednesday.
According to reports, SkyCana will be operating three flights per week to Canada with a stop-over in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Sky Cana is a Dominican Republic Company with a fleet that includes 3- AIRBUS A321; 4- AIRBUS A320; 1- AIRBUS A330-300 and 1- AIRBUS A330-200. Sky Cana is looking to fly three times a week to Canada.
Meanwhile, it has also been announced that FlyAllways out of Suriname will also be operating non-stop flights between Guyana and Canada.
However, Public Works Minister Edghill has stated that while the airline has already gotten approval, it is yet to indicate when it will commence flights to this new route.
Fly Always started operating in Guyana back in 2021 and currently offers flights from Guyana to Suriname, Barbados and Jamaica.
On March 27, 2023, British Airways commenced flights to Guyana. The UK national carrier will operate two flights per week, via St Lucia, on Mondays and Thursdays.