Guyana, Oman sign air services agreement at ICAO Assembly

Guyana and Oman on Monday signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) during the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The agreement was signed by Eng. Nayef Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, and Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The ASA includes provisions on the designation of airlines, application of laws and regulations, cooperative arrangements, tariffs, recognition of certificates and licences, aviation safety and security, user charges, and other regulatory areas. Officials from both countries expressed hope that the agreement will support the expansion of air connectivity.

Lt Col (Ret’d) Field noted that such agreements provide the legal framework needed to advance Guyana’s goal of becoming an international hub for air transport, in line with the Government’s plans for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Currently, there are no direct flights between Guyana and Oman. However, the agreement allows airlines from both countries to access each other’s markets, which could enhance trade and economic cooperation. Oman Air, one of Oman’s national carriers, operates in more than 20 countries and serves over 37 destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Far East, and the Indian subcontinent.
The agreement is expected to create opportunities for Omani carriers to consider Guyana as a future destination. It also adds to the more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has already signed with other ICAO member states.
Guyana and Oman established diplomatic relations on January 17, 1996. Monday’s signing is seen as a continuation of the countries’ long-standing diplomatic engagement.