American Airlines has become the first US carrier to launch its services in Guyana on Thursday night.
The major US carrier is now offering four flights per week from Georgetown to Miami and will subsequently add more flights to its schedule.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, noted that the Airline brings with it services that are currently lacking in the local air services industry.
“We view the presence of one of the largest US airline companies as a very positive step towards the development of air services in Guyana, services that are currently lacking and services which are an important prerequisite for the expansion and greater sophistication of the economy itself,” he told those gathered during a simple ceremony at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in the wee hours of Friday.
The Foreign Minister noted that the direct flight between the two countries will promote the integration of the two economies, generate trade, promote tourism and create employment opportunities.
He urged the company to work with local tourism bodies to form joint ventures which can promote tourism destinations in Guyana through affordable packages.
“We would like to see the development and would like to promote the development of joint ventures between airline companies and the tourism industry to ensure that what Guyana has to offer to the rest of the world can be made available at affordable prices,” Minister Greenidge said.
He highlighted that this will also help Guyana to realize its potential of becoming the hub between South America and the rest of the world
Meanwhile, Managing Director of International Government Affairs, Robert Wirick said Guyana is the Airlines’ 19th destination on the South American Continent.
Promising access to 150 destinations worldwide through Miami, he noted that the long-term plan is to increase the destinations as well as the number of flights per week.
“We hope to strengthen our presence in the country for many years to come. We’re committed to this market,” he assured.
Wirick also disclosed that there are several Guyanese who have been working with the company and will form part of the crew members on its Georgetown-Miami flights.
The new service was welcomed by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, with responsibility for aviation, Annette Ferguson who noted that Guyana’s largest diaspora is in the US.
The airline was endorsed by outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway for providing world-class services.
American airlines first announced its Guyana, Miami route in March 2018 and placed tickets on sale in April.
The airline is using its Airbus A319 to commence four times weekly flights. The aircraft contains eight first class seats and 120 economy class seating capacity.
There are several US companies operating in Guyana with the most significant being US Oil major, Exxon Mobil which is exploring offshore Guyana and is expected to begin production in two years.
In August, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) –a voluntary association of US enterprises and individuals –was launched in Guyana with a vision to promote trade between the United States and Guyana.
