President Ali says some airlines unfair, abusing the market

President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday said his government is giving attention to complaints by Guyanese of airlines increasing their charges.

But even as the government’s intervention is underway, he said some airlines were found to be operating unfairly and abusing the market.

His comments came one day after International Civil Aviation Day was observed on December 07 and amid a Tourism Awards Gala to celebrate excellence in the local industry.

Dr. Ali said he has already asked the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Ramesh Ghir to enter into negotiations with airlines plying the Guyana route.

Those talks have commenced with a focus on allowing government partnership which will see additional seats at more sustainable fairs to Guyanese.

Dr Ali said this arrangement will likely target countries where Guyana has a large diaspora.

“This is another important thing we are working on,” he said as he laid out an overall vision for developing the country’s tourism product.

“We want people to make money (but) it must be done in a fair manner.

“Charging 1,600 Canadian dollars for an economy seat out of Canada is not fair, as a matter of fact, it is an abuse of the market,” he added.

On Tuesday, Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA), Egbert Field said that by 2022, Guyanese will likely be afforded cheaper flights as more airlines have signalled keen interest to enter Guyana’s market.

Over six applications have been received thus far and interest is expected to increase further in the coming years with Guyana’s new oil wealth.

Field believes this will auger well for Guyanese because as more airlines ply the Guyana route, fares will become affordable in wake of looming competition.