Jags Aviation lowers airfares to interior locations

Following a call by President Dr Irfaan Ali earlier this week for local air operators to lower the hefty fares for travel to hinterland locations, Jags Aviation Inc has heeded the call and reduced the costs for flights to at least two interior communities.

The Head of State made this announcement on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Aishalton Airstrip in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The reductions will be applicable to flights to Aishalton and Paramakatoi in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

“We heard from Jags Aviation that effective February 1, they’ll be reducing their [costs for] air flights coming in here to Aishalton and Paramakatoi. So, at least one of the operators has already responded to the call,” President Ali noted.

Earlier this week at the commissioning of the rehabilitated airstrip in Paramakatoi, the Guyanese leader had urged domestic operators to slash their airfares in order to make travel more accessible and affordable for citizens.

With the massive investments being injected into upgrading the airstrips at Aishalton ($920 million) and Paramakatoi (almost $800 million), coupled with plans to build out another 35 airstrips in communities across the country, President Ali on Thursday contended that the benefits must be passed onto passengers.

“I’m telling you I’m dead serious, dead serious about this. The people must benefit from lower costs from these investments. They deserve it,” the Head of State declared, telling air operators, “You’re not doing them a favour. You have a responsibility.”

The President has already instructed the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field, as well as Public Utility and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar, to meet with local airline operators to discuss this issue of the high airfares for local travel.

Lowering interior fares

Meanwhile, in a statement following the President’s announcement on Thursday, Jags Aviation, which is owned by the BK Group of Companies, confirmed that it would be lowering its fares to the interior.

According to Executive Chairman of the BK Group, Brian Tiwari, Jags Aviation had already reduced the cost for flights to the interior. But following President Ali’s recent call on Monday, he directed the Managing Director of Jags Aviation, Gail Tiwari; its Manager, Colonel Miguel Benjamin; and Chief Pilot, Carl Rodney, to find ways to further lower the cost of fares to the interior.

Tiwari noted that the lowering of airfares to the interior was long overdue, adding that President Dr Ali’s pragmatism and skill as an urban planner, coupled with the “One Guyana” notion, have inspired the nation and restored hope and confidence within the business community and among the citizenry.

“During the last five years, President Dr Irfaan Ali’s genuine, courageous and brilliant leadership has created a seemingly hospitable investment climate in Guyana that has attracted many foreign and local investors,” the missive detailed.

Making domestic air travel more affordable and accessible for Guyanese has been identified as a top priority for the Ali-led Government during its second term in office.