GOVERNMENT has green-lighted an application from US carrier American Airlines to operate a scheduled service between Miami and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) from November 15, 2018.

This was announced by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Minister Harmon stated that the airline proposed a four-day, weekly operation using Airbus A390, which has eight First Class and 120 Economy Class seating capacity.

Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, has informed that the scope of the airline’s application was covered under the air transport agreement between Guyana and the US.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) reviewed the airline’s business proposal in the areas of law, organisation, finance and market analysis and was satisfied with the results.
During an interview with this newspaper in May, GCAA Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d), Egbert Field said there has been an increase in passenger carriage for several months earlier this year compared to last year.

“Other airlines stated their intent but nothing concrete and we will not disclose any names until an application has been made,” the director general said.

The aviation sector contributes $20.7 billion annually to the economy which is 3.2 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector also caters for 12,000 jobs.
Last year, American Airlines had announced a new route between the CJIA and Miami International Airport (MIA).

“We are pleased to continue growing our presence in South America,” said Jim Butler, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President, International and Cargo.

“This new service adds a new international destination to America’s global network, promoting tourism in the country and offering the people of Guyana multiple connecting options through our hub in Miami.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday Minister Harmon announced the names of the new Board of Directors of the CJIA.

They are Chairman Stephen Fraser, Nicola Layne, Gracelyn George, Trevor Benn, a representative from the Parliamentary Opposition, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and CJIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir.