PUBLIC Works Minister Robeson Benn, who has ministerial responsibility for the aviation sector, has expressed Government’s dismay at the announcement by Delta Airlines of its intention to pull out of Guyana by May this year because of considerations of route profitability. Coming almost on the heels of the cessation of flights by low-cost carriers REDjet and EZjet, the announcement is very disappointing, Minister Benn has said.
The Minister noted that since its inaugural flight in June 2008, Delta Airlines has benefited from support of the travelling public, to the extent that it enjoys the highest payload for all airlines operating at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri.
Following is a summary of the passenger loads for Delta Airlines over the years:

Year                      Passengers            Payload (% full)
2008-Jun-Dec              36,695                         77%
2009                            68,273                         85%
2010                            76,197                         84%
2011                            73,673                         84%
2012                            78,221                         84%
2013-Jan                        6,580                         89%
 
The Minister said that careful perusal of the foregoing numbers would reveal that Delta was experiencing passenger growth, despite competition from low cost carriers REDjJet and EZjet.
“The 84% average payload and the increased passenger growth are contrary to the statement of ‘Significant decline in passenger loads’ issued by Delta’s Corporate Communications Manager,” Minister Benn said, adding:
“We have noted claims by Delta elsewhere of higher fuel cost, and of a Guyana passenger profile, which is biased towards the low end of the market in respect of fares.”
Delta Airlines’ December 11, 2012 announcement of the acquisition of Singapore Airlines’ 49% share in Virgin Atlantic for US$360M indicates, perhaps, a corporate shift of assets and activity to the more lucrative trans-Atlantic route for the world’s largest airline, Minister Benn has opined.
The Guyana aviation sector and its passengers have benefited from the Delta experience, and the ongoing and intended improvements at the CJIA, Minister Benn added. He said the slated runway extension and new terminal building “allows us to hold the door open for Delta’s rethink of its options for its engagement in Guyana.”
Minister Benn also took opportunity to thank Delta for its services, and at the same time announce that Government is actively pursuing other suitable replacement services to meet the needs of the travelling public.
Asked about the possible local market entrance of the Guyanese-owned ‘Fly Jamaica Airline’, the Minister said the company is yet to submit corporate financial information and lodge a bond with the Guyana Government. This is necessary before an airline begins flights, and is a standard prerequisite worldwide for these kinds of investment. (GINA)