American Airlines makes inaugural flight to Guyana

− flight was in keeping with schedule

− Guyanese will have access to approximately 150 destinations in US with American Airlines

− more destinations to be added

DPI, Guyana, Friday, November 16, 2018

In keeping with its schedule of November 15, 2018, United States (US) giant carrier, American Airlines made its inaugural flight to Guyana last evening. The airline 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 Greenidg, who is performing the duties of Prime Minister.

[In the photo, from left] Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, (GCAA) Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Egbert Field, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, whois performing the duties of Prime Minister, Carl Greenidge, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway and American Airlines representative, Omar Nottaro at the cutting of the ribbon.

American Airlines aircraft makes its inaugural landing.

American Airlines aircraft joining to the boarding bridge.

During a simple ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, said this 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,” Minister Greenidge explained.

The minister welcomed the future development of joint ventures between airline companies and Guyana and the tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, with responsibility for aviation, Annette Ferguson welcomed American Airlines to the Guyana market. She explained that with Guyana’s largest diaspora community residing in the US and the significant hike in passengers travelling last year, having American Airlines onboard is advantageous to Guyanese.

“American Airlines entering the Guyana market is timely as we prepare to host the first ever International Civil Aviation Conference (ICAO). Participants of this conference will have the option of experiencing the quality service American Airlines is world renowned for. 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.

In highlighting what America Airlines will be offering Guyanese, Managing Director of International Government Affairs, Robert Wirick said Guyanese will be connected to approximately 150 destinations in and out of the US. He indicated that the 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.

“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 said.

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 stated their expectations for great returns for both the US and Guyana.

Also, in attendance at the ceremony was Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson along with other dignitaries and officials from American Airlines and GCAA.

Ranetta La Fleur.

Images: Keno George.