GOLDEN Arrow Airways (GAA) last Friday moved closer to certification status to begin domestic flights across Guyana with its demonstration flight to Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, Timehri, East Bank Demerara and back to Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara.

The Trislander aircraft is powered by three engines and comfortably seats 17 passengers and operates out of CAMS Hangar at Ogle. It was piloted by Captain Learie Barclay, who took the media and the Certification Officer, Egbert Field, accompanied by the owners on the demonstration flight Friday morning.

Captain Barclay told reporters that the demonstration exercise is the culmination of a year’s work and two months of training for the staff members and they were happy to be nearing the final stage of certification to operate in Guyana domestically.

He added that they have been working assiduously with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in acquiring their Air Operative Certificate.

The tri-engine Trislander aircraft has the same capacity as the Caravan and can fly on two engines if one fails and it is one of the safest aircraft of its kind and is attached to GAA .

At present GAA has two aircraft but is in the process of acquiring another one. The company will first launch its domestic flights to several hinterland locations after which they will fly internationally, Barclay said.

However, when questioned about the aircraft’s capability Barclay stated that it can fly non-stop from Guyana to Trinidad but at present they will go to all airstrips in Guyana that can accommodate their aircraft.

He disclosed that they will be plying Regions 7, 8 and 9 and later they will launch their international flights to Trinidad and other countries.

Barclay said that the Trislander is one of the largest operators with four additional seats and the level of safety of the aircraft is unprecedented. The GAA will provide a greater sense of security for passengers as they roll out their operations in a week or two.

They have five local pilots and two aircraft and will gradually increase the fleet of 11 staff members, including five ground attendants, four operations staffers, one Operations Supervisor, and Operations Manager, Captain Barclay.

Golden Arrow Airways is owned by Giovanni Charles and Nirvana Mahase, who were also on the demonstration flight from Ogle International Airport.

The duo made brief remarks, thanking the media and others for their time on Friday, following the exercise in the boardroom of CAMS Hangar.

Egbert Field, Manager Flight Operations Oversight (Jamaica), who was on the demonstration flight told the media that he is working with the local CAA in the certification process of Golden Arrow Airways and the trip was a part of the dress rehearsal required in the standard operations.

He noted that the process entailed five phases which took some time but GAA is nearing its final stage based on his recommendation for certification to operate. He also briefed the media on the lengthy process that was involved in the undertaking.

Field added that he is very satisfied so far with the operations of Golden Arrow Airways since they have met all the requirements and have all the vital elements in place.
Written By Michel Outridge