Possibility of direct flights between Guyana, France being explored

– as airline to soon connect Guyana with French Guiana, Suriname

By Jarryl Bryan

As Guyana and France continue down the trajectory of developing stronger ties, discussions are already afoot regarding direct flights between the two countries. In the meantime, however, a decision has been taken to introduce flights further connecting the countries in the Guiana Shield, that is, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
A delegation of French businesses is currently in Guyana to explore investment opportunities in a variety of sectors including finance, maritime transport, and energy. Also in Guyana are territorial elected officials from French Guiana, led by President of its National Assembly, Gabriel Serville.

Serville and his delegation met with Trans Guyana Airways on Monday, to consider the establishment of a flight between Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. In fact, this flight is expected to be launched either late this year or early in 2024.
“As part of the trip to Guyana of a delegation of territorial elected officials, led by President Gabriel Serville, a meeting was held this Monday, June 19, 2023, with Trans Guyana Airways, to consider the establishment of a line between Guyana Suriname and Guyana,” a statement from the President’s camp said.
“Jean-Luk Le West, Vice President Delegate for Economic Development and Tourism, defended the project of this liaising alongside Gabriel Serville, President of the CTG, specifying the economic and tourism issues associated with it.”
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, French Ambassador to Guyana, Nicolas de Lacoste also confirmed that the possibility of a direct flight to France came up in discussions, although for now, they will be proceeding with the establishment of the Guyana/Suriname/French Guiana flight. But de Lacoste made it clear that France is determined to step up its presence in Guyana and that so far, discussions have been fruitful.
“France is stepping up its presence. We’ll have a full-fledged diplomat on September 1. We are the first member of the European Union, which is opening such a diplomatic office. It’s not yet an embassy. But we’re stepping up our presence because we understand the place Guyana now has and will have in the coming years. So, it’s time to wake up on the French side and we’re waking up,” he said.
In recent times there have been a number of airlines that have set up direct flights connecting Guyana to major cities. A few months ago, British Airways commenced flights from the United Kingdom to Guyana, with flights being done in transit with St Lucia.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed in April that the Government is looking to expand flight options to Europe through the Netherlands. Specifically, he had said the Government is now working to get the flagship carrier of the Netherlands – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – to operate direct flights here.
The Vice President’s remarks also come on the heels of two regional airlines – Dominican Republic-based SkyCana and Suriname’s Fly Allways – announcing plans to fly the Guyana-Canada route.
There has been work within the Guiana Shield to improve collaboration, such as the work done during the first edition of the Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue, where Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname came together to discuss the development of a common security masterplan back in 2021.
During a trilateral engagement in Cayenne, French Guiana, where Guyana was represented by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, the discussion centred on joint security threats and challenges facing the countries. The dialogue also underscored the importance of a shared respective understanding of the regional strategic defence and security environment.
The issues of how the countries can collaborate and structure their operational and technical cooperation in the fight against the security threats and other challenges facing the populations, territories, maritime space and interests were also discussed.
Within the framework of the Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue on security and defence and to develop a common security masterplan, the various sides agreed to exchange views and work closely on technical and operational areas, including increased joined land, and sea patrol missions.