–sets sight on burgeoning tourism industry

HISTORY was made in Guyana last Sunday when JAGS Aviation, the aviation arm of BK Group of Companies, added a brand new Cessna Grand Caravan to Guyana’s domestic aviation services, to aid in boosting local tourism.

The US$3M Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX, which landed in Guyana at approximately 18:00hrs on Sunday last, was acquired directly from the manufacturer, making JAGS Aviation the first private sector entity to acquire an aircraft straight off the production line.
Manufactured in the United States, the Caravan is able to seat 13 passengers comfortably, and is the first aircraft purchased by JAGS since its acquisition by the BK Group of Companies in June.

This has signalled the start of the fleet’s expansion, resulting from the BK Group’s new investment. As such, the chartered company JAGS will seek, through this initiative, to continue its expansion into an airline with scheduled commuting.

The new aircraft is described as one that is ahead of all other Caravans currently operating in Guyana, because it is equipped with a full ‘stol’ kit, which enables short field take-off and landing, allowing the craft to operate on smaller hinterland airstrips. The craft is also outfitted with state-of-the-art avionics.
According to Chief Pilot of JAGS Aviation Inc. Patrick Nichols: “This machine can be described as a state-of-the-art caravan, which carries you into the future of aviation.” He explained that the aircraft’s features are of the highest standards, providing flying details “ordinary” caravans cannot facilitate.

Nichols expounded on the fact that the features provided for include those of a compass display of the routes, and a terrain feature which signals a warning through a red light within one hundred feet of the terrain, and illustrating the outline of the terrain. Added to that, the aircraft will facilitate full instrumental approaches, which are a series of predetermined manoeuvres for the orderly transfer of an aircraft under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) from the beginning of the initial approach to a landing, or to a point from which a landing may be made visually.

The Cessna Grand Caravan is fully air-conditioned for luxurious commuting, and will seek to combat any climate that challenges the travel experience. Provided for passengers, too, is an on-board oxygen tank to accommodate high-altitude flying or medi-vac purposes, a feature which most aircraft eliminate, so as to reduce weight.

This will, however, be available for passengers and crew members when peaking great heights for aerial views, something which most craft are not permitted to do because of limited oxygen availability.

Even the engine, as described by Nichols, is one which is “high-powered”, and not found in normal aircraft.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the arrival of the new Caravan on Sunday, JAGS Aviation Director, Briony Tiwarie said, “The aviation arm of the BK Group (is) operating today through our recent acquisition, JAGS Aviation, which represents the vision, energy and efforts of the next generation of the Tiwarie family.

“We are building on the achievements of the generation before us, and we are willing to take the initiative and invest in new and diverse sectors, like aviation.”

She related that even though JAGS Aviation is but a chartered company, the idea of the establishment of an airline is an initiative which would be considered as expansion of the aviation arm of the company continues.

The Director noted that, over the years, the company was recognised for construction; but has now embarked on a new journey into aviation in support of Guyana’s tourism, mining, and other activities; and JAGS Aviation seeks to uphold the BK Group’s standards in providing quality service. Moreover, the entity will expand.

As such, the sole purpose of the aircraft, she related, will be to provide an unforgettable travel experience for those seeking to explore Guyana’s richness.

Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul attended Sunday’s function and endorsed the private initiative of moving into aviation from construction. He noted that it is the first time in the Caribbean that such has happened, and he said he heartily welcomes the move.

On behalf of the Government of Guyana, Minister Gopaul pledged his support to the BK Group of Companies, while recognising the magnitude of the investment. He extended his support towards developmental initiatives such as this. “They moved because they believed that Guyana has a place where a local company can operate with the sky as the limit” he said.

Gopaul noted that, like information technology, aviation is also ever-changing. As such, he said, training must be priority, and the Government stands ready to support BK Group of Companies in this venture, to the benefit of Guyana.

Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Dr Hugh Denbow, who was also present, echoed the sentiments of Minister Gopaul, and stressed on the nature of the aviation sector, which has a “changing face”.

As such, Denbow highlighted the challenges faced in the world of aviation, noting that the aviation business has seen a demise of qualified and experienced staff, and urging JAGS Aviation Inc. to step up its game and pursue training continuously to stay ahead.

The GUYSUCO hanger is providing temporary accommodation for the new aircraft, while JAGS continues with negotiations for space to construct its own facilities.

(By Ravin Singh)