…as Government explores options for better airline services
GOVERNMENT has the necessary skills and capabilities needed to manage an airline service should the need arise, although it would prefer that such a venture be taken up by the private sector.
This is according to Minister of Trade Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad during a recent interview with the National Communications Network (NCN).
According to Minister Prashad, although it is not the sole intention of Government to do so, if the private sector chooses not to take up the challenge, then the Government would take the lead in establishing an airline similar to the former Government-run Guyana Airways Corporation.
Minister Prashad disclosed that a Greek company has expressed serious interest in setting up an airline service in Guyana; and after discussions with President Bharrat Jagdeo, the company was established here.
The company, according to Minister Prashad, is proposing a flight route from North America to the Caribbean and both the airline and investors will be based in Guyana. He said currently the parties are examining the paper work with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and it is expected that the investment will materialise based on the interest shown.
Added to the Greek company’s interest, Government is also exploring avenues to get back into the airline business should the need arise. However, this will be run more efficiently because it will be better managed than the Guyana Airways Corporation which could not have sustained itself.
Another airline, ‘Jet Blue’, is also exploring the possibility of setting up business here to pursue the opportunity of providing direct flights from New York, St. Lucia and Barbados. The airline currently serves Jamaica, Barbados and St. Lucia. According to the Minister, there is a possibility that Jet Blue will be coming to Guyana since it has expressed an interest and has requested additional information in this regard. This is, however, still at the discussion stage.
The Dutch Antillean Airlines (ALM) is also showing an interest in bringing its service to Guyana. Minister Prashad explained that the airline currently operates from Amsterdam to Paramaribo, and has expressed an interest in flying from Amsterdam to Paramaribo to Georgetown, and then to Amsterdam.
Meanwhile, Suriname Airways (SLM) has also indicated an interest in flying from Miami to Paramaribo and from Georgetown to Miami. If this comes on stream, Minister Prashad said it would be the first time that Guyana will have direct flight from Georgetown to Miami since the other airlines travel from Georgetown to Trinidad then to Miami. “The SLM venture will be very good for us,” he added.
Government is also examining other travel service options to deal with the influx of visitors expected for the Christmas season.
The Ministry is in discussions with some private investors who conduct airline charters from Toronto and New York to Guyana.
Also of tremendous benefit to Guyana’s air travel industry is the initiative taken by President Jagdeo in signing an agreement with Venezuela for the supply of aviation fuel to Guyana at a cheaper cost.
This, Minister Prashad, said would result in a significant reduction in airfares since fuel price makes up a major portion of the air travel cost. (GINA)