Govt. in advanced negotiations with US/European airlines

Oct 09, 2015 News

The announcement by Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) management to discontinue its London route service in January 2016 was one that was anticipated for some time now with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) already moving to attract new airlines to fly this route.
“In recent months, we have ramped up our efforts to have a major European carrier

Government says it is engaging several US and European airlines to come to Guyana.

provide airlift to Guyana. This is to facilitate easy travel for the estimated 100,000 Guyanese living in the United Kingdom and the many European visitors that want to come and experience Destination Guyana,” says Minister David Patterson.
A delegation from the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Tourism will meet executives of several airlines at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, United Kingdom, from November 2 to 5, 2015 to actualize negotiations.
“WTM is considered the leading global event for the travel industry, which will offer our delegation a unique opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business,” the Minister added.
Simultaneously, a team headed by Minister Patterson and Ramesh Ghir, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIA), will continue ongoing negotiations with several North American airlines at their respective headquarters in the United States.
Only recently, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, met and was updated on Jet Blue’s plan to provide airlift to Guyana.
The expansion of Cheddi Jagan International Airport, introduction of an additional fuel facility at CJIA, modernization of the Air Traffic Control Facility and aggressive tourism marketing are all part of the CRG commitment to providing affordable airlift for visitors to Destination Guyana.
“Further, the Ministry will work closely with CAL’s management to ensure that passengers who are displaced will be refunded or accommodated on other flights,” the Minister said yesterday.
The country has been facing problems over the years with stable air travel services, with one charter after another folding.
CAL had remained throughout the years and with the entry of Fly Jamaica, the market had stabilized but consumers are still complaining of high fares.
Guyana is currently building a longer runway and new terminal building at CJIA that will cost the country US$150M.