– flights from December 16 to United States will be US$200 less
DELTA Airlines will have a daily flight out of Guyana, beginning December 16, for passengers travelling to the United States, who will pay US$200 less of the previously US$820 cost.

The announcement was made Thursday when local Delta Manager, Mr. Junior Horatio, met with Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, at the latter’s South Road, Georgetown office.

Prashad said Delta, usually, has three flights weekly during the low season but, from December 16, will have the everyday flights until further notice.

He said the carrier has been cooperating with Guyana and responding to its market and would increase flights even in the low periods next year.

Prashad dispelled recent rumours that Delta was closing operations in this country and said they were being spread maliciously. On the contrary, the airline wants to enhance its presence here.

Horatio said Delta is tremendously impressed by the Guyanese market and has a travel agency promotion, through which, depending on the number of tickets sold, customers will get a voucher that is redeemable at a supermarket.

The Minister rejoined to reiterate that the possibility of Guyana having its own national carrier has not been ruled out and work on the proposals has already started.

Prashad said it is being considered in view of the fact that arrivals here have been increasing every year.

He said, in 2009, there was a nine per cent increase over 2008 and, by last October, seven per cent more over last year was recorded.

Prashad speculated that the number will no doubt increase by this month end.

Minister Prashad also assured that there would be adequate flights during this festive  season, and that his ministry will be monitoring the baggage situation carefully.
He noted that there is a need for more airlift into our country since more and more persons are coming to Guyana  and, as such, they are in ongoing discussions with Suriname Airways, Jet Blue, KLM Dutch Airline and the Greek Airline which has shown an interest in coming here.
However, the Tourism Minister noted that Government is still looking at the option of getting back into the airline business to deliver affordable and reliable airlift to the travelling public, noting that tourism is on the move and more Guyanese are returning home with the improved infrastructure and investment being carried out.