MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, yesterday met with major air travel providers to address concerns raised by air-travellers and to ensure that passengers travelling during the anticipated summer holidays have safe, hassle-free and enjoyable flights.

Present at the meeting at the minister’s office on South Road, Georgetown, were Delta Airlines Sales Manager in Guyana, Mr. Junior Horatio; Caribbean Airlines South America General Manager, Mr. Carlton DeFour; Manager of META in Georgetown, Ms. Andrea Farias; Duty Officer of Travel Span, Mr. David Goberdhan; and Sales and Facilitation Manager of LIAT Airlines, Mr. Stephen Michael.

The minister had promised to meet with local airline providers following recent reports his ministry had received from members of the travelling public about ‘bad service’ experienced; misleading advertisements of some airlines which state the fares without taxes; concerns about the high cost of airline tickets despite the reduction in the price of jet fuel, among others.

He said that the summer holidays are approaching and this is a peak period, with people coming from the Diaspora and visitors as well.

He added, “Because our tourism product is developing so rapidly – we expect a huge of influx of visitors, particularly coming down to the end of the July and August holidays.”

Prashad recalled that President Bharrat Jagdeo recently called a meeting and discussions were held to plan a series of activities within a two week period.

“So that when people come back to Guyana rather than they spread out for the two months, they can concentrate on coming for the two weeks,” the minister said.

“We want to talk with the stakeholders, especially the airlines, to make sure that Guyanese coming back home and foreigners and visitors have a safe, reliable and enjoyable flight coming into Guyana,” he noted.

However, he pointed out, “I have seen some improvement in terms of what they (airlines) are doing, but there is more to be done. There is always room for improvement.”

Turning to the advertisement, he said, “We have got numerous complaints about false advertisement and some of the airlines said that they cannot be responsible for the travel agents who advertise.”

He said that Caribbean Airlines and Delta have submitted their fares which were double checked and proven to be authentic.

“However, there is false advertisement and false advertising is illegal, and we will take strong action,” Minister Prashad warned.

He asked that the air fares advertised must be tax inclusive, stating, “I am also asking the airlines to use their influence to get the travel agents to comply with what we are talking about now.”

Alluding to the baggage, Minister Prashad observed, “I see Caribbean Airlines advertising about the baggage that is clear – we need more like that to tell you what it is.”

“If there is change in terms of baggage, let the public know early so that we can work on this together – because we do not want misleading information there and consumers being ripped off by unscrupulous agents,” he appealed.

He said more immigration officers will be stationed at the Cheddi Jagan international Airport following complaints from the airlines that the passengers are not processed fast enough.

“The Customs service has improved significantly. We are asking the people who are working at the airport to be very courteous to passengers coming off the aircraft and welcome them to Guyana,” he said.

Another issue that needs to be dealt with, he said, is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the non IATA agents and air fares.

“If we have affordable air fares, more people will travel,” he maintained, asking the operators to address the concerns of high cost of air fares.

Minister Prashad expressed his satisfaction with the measures being implemented concerning the issue of baggage by the airlines, noting, “I must commend the airlines for having this proactive approach.”

“I am also happy that the airlines themselves are not condoning misleading and false advertisement, because that is what you get sometimes,” he said.

The minister also reminded that Canadian carrier, SkyService Airlines will be returning to Guyana from June 30 to September 8, for the summer holidays, with direct flight every Tuesday and every other Saturday from Toronto to Georgetown.

SkyService made its inaugural flight to Guyana on July 1, 2008, providing the first direct flight from Canada to Guyana.

He said American Airlines has also renewed talks to enter into the market.

“We welcome any other airline coming into Guyana, chartered and otherwise; once you comply with the regulations, you can get your licences quickly to fly,” he stated.

Also, he said that Delta will be putting on additional flights during this period and so will Caribbean Airlines.