American Airlines begins Guyana flights
Major United States (US) carrier American Airlines made its inaugural flight to Guyana on Thursday night.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, the airline is now offering four flights per week from Georgetown to Miami and it will later add more flights to its schedule
During a simple ceremony to mark the start of the airline’s operations in Guyana on Thursday night at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, said the occasion is symbolic of the integration of Guyanese and American economies through the vital service of air transport. He added that this marks a positive step towards the development of air services in Guyana and will generate trade, promote tourism and create employment opportunities. “As Guyana embarks on a new development trajectory, we have placed emphasis on improving our air and land connectivity. Our geographical location presents us with a unique opportunity to potentially become a hub between South America and the rest of the world. In recognition of this and the increasing number of visitors to Guyana, we embarked on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion,” Greenidge was quoted as saying.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson, who has responsibility for aviation, also welcomed the carrier to the Guyana market. She said having American Airlines onboard is advantageous to Guyanese given that Guyana’s largest diaspora community resides in the US and the significant hike in passengers travelling between the two countries last year. “….Also, with four weekly return flights between Georgetown and Miami, Guyanese now have more travel options to get to the destinations in North America and beyond,” Minister Ferguson said.
Meanwhile. Robert Wirick, Managing Director of International Government Affairs for the carrier, also spoke at the ceremony and he said Guyanese will be connected to approximately 150 destinations in and out of the US. He indicated that the airline’s long-term plan is to increase the destinations as well as the number of flights per week. More Guyanese can also expect employment from the airline company, he added.
“This is the 19th destination in South America for American Airlines. We are the only US carrier offering services to and from the country. From Miami, we are able to connect your country to more than 100 destinations in the US,” Wirick was quoted as saying.
DPI also reported that Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Retired Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field and United States Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway both welcomed the airline to the Guyana market and underscored their expectations for great returns for both the US and Guyana.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, other dignitaries, and officials from American Airlines and the GCAA.