Gov’t in talks with Air Canada for direct flights to Guyana

Air Canada – the largest Canadian airline – has signalled keen interest to enter Guyana’s market with the executives engaging President Irfaan Ali, the Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and the Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Industry Oneidge Walrond on Wednesday.

Though the meeting was held behind closed doors, Minister Edghill shared with the News Room on Thursday that the engagement was a “continuation of talks” with the airline that could possibly see direct flights being offered to Canada from Guyana.

“We want service out of Toronto direct to Guyana so we continuing talks to see that be realised,” the Public Works Minister said during a telephone interview.

He also said that engagements are ongoing between other Air Canada executives and government representatives who are currently in Canada for the Canada Roots Exchange Conference.

Air Canada is the flag carrier and the largest airline of Canada by fleet size and passengers; its headquarters is based in Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec. The airline, founded in 1937, provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to 207 destinations worldwide.

But it is not the only airline that is keen on entering Guyana’s market; last year, a total of six airline applications were under review by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA).

And according to GCCA Director-General, Egbert Field, it shows just how lucrative Guyana’s investment potential is – a direct result of the massive oil and gas discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

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

For an airline to be approved to fly the Guyana route, it must be subject to a strict review process and includes a thorough financial analysis to determine how viable, stable, solvent, and profitable the business is, accompanied by an economic analysis along with a review to satisfy airline safety requirements.