Domestic airline, Trans Guyana Airways on Saturday announced that it has commenced flights to hinterland communities in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Trans Guyana Airways at Chenapau airstrip [Trans Guyana photo]
This announcement was made just after Amerindian People’s Association (APA) member, Michael McGarrell expressed concerns over the increase in passenger and freight fares by the domestic operator, Air Services Limited (ASL). ASL has since denied that it increased its fares. However, several persons, particularly in Paramakatoi, Region Eight, made social media posts about the increase and in one instance, a picture was posted of the notice of the increase.
However, in a recent statement, the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG) had said that none of its members – Trans Guyana Airways, JAGS Aviation, Wings Aviation, and Roraima Airways – have increased their fares. ASL was not listed as a member. ASL was the only airline operating in Region Eight.
Trans Guyana in a release on Saturday said that the flights have commenced and will operate from the Eugene F Correia International Airport to Mahdia, Kaieteur, Chenapau, Paramakatoi, Karisparu, Kato, Monkey Mountain, and Kurukubaru. The return fare varies between $26,500 and $39,000. The airline said that the fare from Mahdia to Ogle will be $15,000. The airline noted that its staff will continue to take every precaution necessary to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Their procedures include 100 per cent temperature testing of all passengers and staff, sanitising of aircraft before every flight, the compulsory wearing of face masks and hand sanitising before passengers and crew board the aircraft.
“All cargo is similarly sanitised,” the statement said.
The carrier further explained that it took on the initiative in response to the Aircraft Owners’ Association of Guyana’s (AOAG) request to address the concerns expressed by the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) and the Government concerning Region Eight’s access to food and freight supplies.
“The local aviation industry is highly competitive and thus the market forces that result from this dynamic work to keep the industry fair. Trans Guyana Airways will continue to provide a superior and safe service to and for the people of Guyana,” the release read.
