…commissions Jags Aviation’s HAL Dornier 228 aircraft

…calls on Indian-plane manufacturer to set up office in Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali is calling on operators in the local aviation industry to pool together their resources in order to set up a regional carrier to tap into the market within the Caribbean. He made these remarks during the commissioning ceremony of the Jags Aviation Inc’s Dornier 228 aircraft on Saturday evening. According to the Head of State, this newest addition to the company’s fleet represents the continued ascent of Guyana’s aviation sector – something which he believes has the potential to sore even higher and further. “Jags Aviation is now a household name in Guyana and its associated aviation services. It is a local company that I believe has the potential to become more than a local carrier. And indeed, I believe that our aviation players should come together to look towards developing a regional carrier, because Guyana’s ambitions now seem limitless. We have to get the heads together and come up with a plan that is viable and sustainable,” President Ali declared. He pointed out that Guyana must not be a responsive market but should be setting its own standards and setting the trajectory of aviation for the region. He said it is for this reason that his Government established a dedicated Ministry of Aviation to advance opportunities like this. In fact, President Ali pointed out that transforming Guyana into a regional aviation hub is the first pillar in the 10-point plan his Government has established for the local industry. “This vision is to see Guyana position itself as a premier aviation gateway, linking the Caribbean, South America, North America and Africa. We’ll do so through strategic investment in airport infrastructure, air traffic management system, expanded airline connectivity, drone technology…. Guyana will strengthen its role as a regional transportation and logistics centre,” the Guyanese Leader stated. That plan also includes the building out of new terminals and municipal airports, as well as modernising hinterland airstrips – all of which are already underway. The establishment of a world-class aviation school to not only serve national needs but the region is also on the cards.