– category one status will enable direct flights from Guyana nonstop to the United States

FOLLOWING an onsite assessment by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Guyana will be ready to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for category one status.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Minister Jaipaul Sharma. The assessment is expected to be conducted between January 14-21, 2020.

“When this is completed, Guyana will be ready to apply to the [Federal Aviation Administration] FAA for category one status… this means we [will] have direct flights from Guyana nonstop to the United States of America,” Minister Sharma explained.
Minister Sharma anticipates success. “This is a remarkable achievement, and I believe they [ Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)] could do it.”

According to the minister, twelve aviation regulations were completed and submitted in reference to the Civil Aviation Act 2020. These regulations will fall under certification of operators, licensing of pilots and engineers.

Senegal, Seychelles, The Bahamas, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Greece and Spain can now send carriers to Guyana.

Two navigation inspectors and two operating inspectors were added to enhance the GCAA’s ability. 152 pilot and engineering licences were also issued.

In addition, the GCAA will be operationalising the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and seeking to graduate twelve new-air-traffic controllers, reduce paper usage, strengthen the quality management system, and continue to renovate the air navigation services. (DPI)