THE runway capacity of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was tested when the airport facilitated the Atlas Air 747-400 N475MC cargo aircraft, on Friday morning.
The Atlas Air aircraft, which is among some of the largest aircraft to land here, is considered a “very large” cargo aircraft that is available for lease around the world.
It was the first aircraft to utilise the newly-constructed Apron at the CJIA for Code D and E-sized aircraft.

According to a press statement from CJIA, all hands were on deck to ensure a seamless landing and take-off process, when this aircraft arrived with its sensitive and delicate government cargo.

“Clearly, from the results of the operations earlier, Guyana has shown its growing capacity to handle the demands that will come from its emerging economy,” said CJIA.
The Boeing 747-400 at its maximum take-off weight of 800,000 lbs would usually require an expansive runway capacity for landing or take-off and CJIA was able to meet this requirement.

Management of the airport collectively said: “we are very happy that we were able to execute this operation without any major challenges, despite our limitations.”
They added that, “it was a historic experience that has highlighted the efficiency of our services, such as, ground handling, air traffic control and the CJIAC team, among others, to collectively demonstrate the importance of teamwork to execute this operation.”

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, had told the media that the CJIA expansion project was expected to be completed within the first quarter of this year. It was 93 per cent complete in January.