Suriname/Guyana partnership…
THE partnership between Roraima Airways Group of Companies in Guyana and the Surinamese carrier Blue Wing Airlines has resulted in regular weekday flights into the two countries.

One of the Blue Wing Airline carriers and passengers on the first scheduled flight from Suriname to arrive at the Ogle Airport International, and Captain Gerry Gouveia, third from right.

The first passengers arrived here Tuesday, after a 50 minutes flight from Zorg-en-Hoop International Airport in Suriname to Ogle International Airport in Guyana, as part of the schedule.

The introductory cost for return trips is US$199 and the weekdays are in addition to the three days a week flights which terminate at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.

Managing Director of Roraima Group, Captain Gerry Gouveia said the venture will support the tourism industry in both countries as well as other commercial enterprises, including mining.

He said the collaboration dates back to the 1990s, noting that, for the past 15 years, Roraima has had a presence in Suriname and Blue Wing inaugurated commercial flying to CJIA two years ago.

Gouveia said Roraima will offer back-up to not only Blue Wing but other carriers which will fly from different countries to Ogle Airport.

According to him, the support includes three airplanes to assist Blue Wing, with travel loads when needed and Ogle Airport will welcome the international flights.

“We are committed to working in continued collaboration to promote hassle free service to passengers, which is a priority,” Gouveia said.

“We want to make the flights as seamless as possible.”

Gouveia said, as Guyana increasingly takes on the role of being the gateway to South America, much investment is being made into the development of aviation services.

One example, is the extension of a runway at Ogle, measuring 400 feet in length and 100 feet width.

ALTERNATIVE
He said the air service to Suriname is an alternative to the Canawaima ferry and caters for those with time constraints.

Gouveia said cargo carrying flights are also available for business endeavours.

Flight Coordinator of Blue Wing, Ms. Zorida Mohamedradja said the five-day a week scheduled flights are for the start-up but the airline is prepared to lay on as many flights demanded.

A member of the Suriname Chambers of Industry and Commerce, who was on the inaugural to Ogle, Mr. Henk Naarendorp, said that the efforts of the Surinamese Government to advance integration is recognised.

He said, with the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the programme involving the countries is to be lauded.

Naarendorp said the additional flights are advantageous in many respects.

The Head of Naarendorp Resources, which has a laboratory that aids mining operations in Suriname, said it provides a good opportunity to transport samples from Suriname to Guyana for clients.

Marketing Director of Blue Wing, Mr. Kenneth Cyrus attested that the flights to Ogle will save time for all parties.

Blue Wing, which has been in operation since January 2002, has a fleet of nine airplanes and expects to acquire another by month end.