Govt working to have more flights, cargo into Guyana in near future – Edghill

…Europe, Africa among destinations being considered

Recognising that Guyana’s developmental trajectory will have to be supported by a robust aviation sector, Government is seeking to have more flights coming out of the country.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill communicated this position during the observance of International Day of the Air Traffic Controller.
He asserted, “With the direction that we’re going as a Government, where we want to improve tourism and make Guyana a hub for air traffic or connectivity between the Caribbean and South America, we want to be able to see more flights. We’d also see more private jets.”
Looking at the agenda to cut the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, the Minister recognised that this would require more daily flights for the movement of goods.
“We’re looking at improving the movement of cargo. We’re currently taking about the possibility of terminal B, with facilities for cold storage, packaging, adequate sanitary and phytosanitary facilities as we grow agriculture…We’ll have to have more daily flights flying out to the Caribbean for the cruise ships, hotels.”
At the Eugene F Correia International Airport, air traffic controllers service 135 landings and take-offs daily. There are 22 off-shore flights, 11 landings and take-offs at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport with 50 aircraft overflying Guyana’s airspace.
With the completion of the additional two airbridges at CJIA to take in Code D and E type aircrafts, the Minister said British Airways will be operating twice per week.
“We want to add other flights from Europe. We’re talking about people about taking flights in from Africa, whether scheduled or unscheduled. Flights in from the Middle East. Just the other day when we signed the Air Services Agreement with China, we’re taking about greater connectivity with China.”
The Public Works Minister further emphasised, “Guyana will become busier. This airport (CJIA) will become busier. We’re completing the superstructure which will carry another 20 area for concessions so we’d be able to accommodate in transit passengers in greater volume.”
Government is aiming to create a hub in Guyana, providing linkages with the Caribbean and countries in South America. To do this, he noted that efficiency and maintaining safe skies becomes of paramount importance.
Edghill has lauded the consistent performance of Guyana Air Navigational Services, as he shared that the level of efficiency has been recognised internationally.
“I was proud when the Secretary General of the ICAO and the other regional representatives lauded the efficiency and the great work of Guyana’s Air Navigational Services, we are known throughout the world for the quality of work we produce right here from these towers…You and your work have been making Guyana proud,” he expressed.
Technologies have been installed at CJIA, allowing flights to land even with fog cover. To have predictability in landing and take-off, he added, assures airlines about timing, flight fixtures and the other factors in air service delivery.
“I look forward to the developing problem of congestion at Timehri airport…That means greater income for the country and once we do better, the people do better. We also have to keep a clear eye on sustainability.” (G12)