JAGS Aviation, a member of the BK Group of Companies, yesterday took possession of a new PZL M28 Skytruck cargo and passenger aircraft, which has been described as “a game-changer” for the local domestic aviation sector.
The twin-engined M28 Skytruck, acquired at a cost of US $4M, touched down at Ogle International at 12.53 hrs to a traditional water salute by the Guyana Fire Service.
It was received by owner, Mr Brian Tiwarie, members of his family, and a welcoming committee of dignitaries, including Ministers Robeson Benn, Irfaan Ali, and Robert Persaud; former President Bharat Jagdeo; Opposition Member of Parliament and shadow Aviation Minister, Joe Harmon; and senior officials of the local aviation community and the private sector.
The arrival of the M28 Skytruck now makes it the largest aircraft operating out of the Ogle International Airport, and the second aircraft acquired by JAGS Aviation for commercial operations in the domestic aviation sector in recent months.
JAGS Aviation, a subsidiary of BK International Group of Companies, was launched as an airline in August last when it received its first aircraft, a brand new Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX.
The Cessna Grand Caravan was acquired at a cost of US$3M. It was said then that JAGS will be providing domestic services to interior locations with the brand-new aircraft recently added to its fleet.
JAGS Aviation Accountable Manager, Ms. Briony Tiwarie said yesterday that the arrival of the ‘Skytruck’ was evidence of the company’s commitment to continuously pursue investment in quality aircraft.
She noted that the domestic aviation sector had tremendous capacity for growth diversification and innovation, and that JAGS recognised that the local conditions for domestic aviators required greater fleet diversity and different and specialised equipment.
She disclosed that the Skytruck is a multi-mission aircraft, which will deliver the versatility that is necessary but has not been available in the past in the market.
A feature of the aircraft is its ability to take off and land in relatively short and undeveloped airstrips, a veritable game-changer in the current state of affairs in the local domestic sector.
Ms. Tiwarie disclosed that expansion of the JAGS Aviation fleet will continue next year.
(By Clifford Stanley)