-says cybersecurity, training critical to supporting the country’s modernisation drive

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has approved the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations as part of efforts to modernise the country’s aviation sector, with industry leaders stressing that digital transformation must be accompanied by stronger cybersecurity measures, data management systems and continued investment in training.

The announcement was made by Director General of the GCAA, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field, during the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s Luncheon and Panel Discussion, held at the World Trade Centre Georgetown on Tuesday, where, among a number of topics, panellists explored how emerging technologies are reshaping the aviation industry under the theme, “Aviation Safety: A Fresh Perspective.”.

Speaking on the integration of technology in Guyana’s aviation sector, Field said the authority has already begun incorporating artificial intelligence into its operations, noting that embracing new technology is essential as the aviation sector continues to evolve.

“I introduced AI to the authority. Because I think that is what we need going forward. Rather than take two or three days doing a paper, we can have AI do it within half a day. So, I have given the approval that AI be introduced to the authority,” he said.

Field also stressed that as the authority integrates AI, parallel steps must be taken in the area of security and risk management, noting that investment in risk mitigation remains a key focus for the authority.

“When we speak of risk, you have got to have a proper data management system,” he further said adding “Utilising that would be able to mitigate a number of the risk factors going on down the line.”

The Director General explained that adopting AI forms part of a broader effort to modernise the authority’s operations and improve efficiency, ensuring that the aviation sector remains responsive to the demands of a rapidly changing industry.

While acknowledging the benefits of digitalisation, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr., cautioned that increased use of technology also introduces new risks that must be carefully managed. He explained that many modern aviation systems already include safeguards designed to protect against cyber threats, adding, “The good news is that in a lot of the aviation-related technology, there is inherent cyber security programmes that protect the risk part of it.”

At the same time, Gouveia emphasised that technology alone is not enough, noting that aviation professionals must continue to build awareness of emerging cyber threats and incorporate risk management into every aspect of digital operations. “We have to move in that direction. And we have to embrace technology. And all we have to make sure is that we continue having awareness sessions,” he said.

Further, he said, “Aviation needs to understand that it may not hack the plane, but they can definitely get your passenger manifest. They can get into your load sheets, your fuel balances and so on. And we have to always think, even when we get into digitisation, risk management.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG), Komal Singh, also underscored the importance of digital transformation, particularly as Guyana continues to position itself as a regional logistics hub.

According to Singh, digital integration has become a necessity for both aviation and shipping for Guyana to support continued economic growth. “Digital integration is no longer an issue. It’s so critical right now. If you want to have a very robust, efficient logistics network, then we must move to a digital environment,” he said.

He added that as Guyana’s economy continues to expand, traditional systems will no longer be sufficient to support increasing demands on infrastructure and human resources, stating, “If we are going to be growing at the pace that we are growing currently, we cannot keep operating in the same old environment.”

He noted that improving efficiency through digital systems would allow both industries to reduce costs while increasing productivity, adding, “We need to look at efficiency. We need to look at how we can digitise our environment, our system, so we can create more opportunity in terms of what we offer and the time it takes, so we reduce our operating costs,” he further said adding, “Port optimisation and port efficiency on a general scale, is something that we really need to do to help support the growth and development that we have seen taking place.”

Veteran aviator and former head of the Guyana Air Corps, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Lawrence London, agreed that while technology offers significant opportunities, its successful implementation will depend on preparing people to use it effectively.

He explained, “You have got to bring people in and train them and train them. And do not let them be afraid of the direction we are going. Because if you are old school, you want to hold on to some of these things from way back. But we are moving ahead.”

With AI now set to become part of the GCAA’s operations, industry leaders maintained that sustained investment in technology, cybersecurity and workforce development will be essential to ensuring Guyana’s aviation sector remains efficient, resilient and prepared for future growth.