Safety non-negotiable in aviation industry – GCAA tells Air Services Ltd

…stands by suspension of ASL’s flights to Matthews Ridge

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has rejected claims that it imposed unjustified restrictions on Air Services Ltd, maintaining that its actions were taken in keeping with its legal mandate to ensure aviation safety.
In a statement issued on Thursday, GCAA said the suspension of Air Services Ltd’s operations into Matthews Ridge, Region One (Barima-Waini) was a precautionary measure pending an investigation into a reported incident. The GCAA noted that the Civil Aviation Act 2018 empowers the Director General to take immediate action, including the suspension of licences, where safety concerns arise.
According to the GCAA, the suspension of a pilot and the imposition of temporary operational restrictions were necessary to reduce the risk of a more serious incident. It added that these measures are subject to formal investigation and review, with due process to be followed.
The Authority said recent operational reviews and safety assessments have led to increased oversight in some areas of commercial aviation. It described these actions as preventative, aimed at protecting passengers, crew, and aircraft, while maintaining public confidence in the aviation sector.
The GCAA stressed that all regulatory decisions are made in accordance with its safety and security mandate, and that operators are required to meet the standards outlined in the Civil Aviation Act and related regulations.
“Safety is non-negotiable in the aviation industry,” the statement said, adding that early intervention is necessary when potential risks are identified.
The response comes after reports in a section of the local media quoting Air Services Ltd, Chairman Captain Ahamad Mazahar Ally, who alleged that the company received informal instructions from the GCAA Director General to cease operations. He also claimed that restrictions on flights to Matthews Ridge and the suspension of several pilots have led to significant financial losses, estimated at up to $5 million per day.

The GCAA said it remains committed to working with all operators to ensure safe and sustainable aviation operations.
In February, the GCAA has launched an investigation after two aircraft suffered tyre punctures upon landing at Matthews Ridge in Region One (Barima-Waini). The first incident occurred at approximately 07:55h and involved a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration 8R-KAB, operated by Jags Aviation while the second incident occurred at approximately 08:15h and involved an Air Services Limited (ASL) Cessna 208 Caravan, registration 8R-GCB. GCAA said preliminary reports indicate that the Jags Aviation Cessna 208 sustained a puncture to its left landing gear tyre while manoeuvring in the parking area. According to the GCAA, the ASL aircraft landed on the prepared surface before overrunning onto an unprepared section of the airstrip. This resulted in a puncture to the left landing gear tyre. Additionally, GCAA has said that it has suspended licence of an Air Services Limited (ASL) pilot pending a full investigation. The regulatory body explained that it had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) advising pilots to exercise heightened caution during approach, landing, and take-off at the Matthews Ridge runway, which is currently undergoing upgrades. Pilots review these NOTAMs during pre-flight briefings, the GCAA said.