Pres Ali challenges local aviation operators to invest in regional carrier

…commissions Jags Aviation’s HAL Dornier 228 aircraft 

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 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 soar 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.

There are plans also to upgrade the country’s air navigation and air traffic management as well as strengthened its safety and regulatory oversight and the digitisation of aviation services and operations – all of which will see the latest technology being used.

“Together, these 10 priorities represent a bold flight path for Guyana’s aviation sector. They’re designed to connect communities, support tourism, facilitate trade, strengthen national integration, attract investment and position Guyana as one of the most dynamic aviation markets in the region. The vision is clear. A modern aviation sector allows Guyana not merely to participate in global growth, but to soar alongside it,” the Guyanese Leader stated.

To this end, President Ali pointed out that the commissioning of the two new aircraft was significant, especially at a time when domestic travels is on the rise with more persons from the hinterland travelling as well as increased foreign visitors who want to explore the interior regions of the country. He lauded Jags Aviation for not only recognising this market potential but making the investments to capitalise on the opportunities. He also commended the company for investing in its human resources as well.

“Indeed, this commissioning ceremony is another chapter in a remarkable journey of growth for Jags Aviation… The message is unmistakable. BK is spreading its wings. Jags Aviation is taking flight. The company is climbing to high altitudes, expanding its reach, increasing its capacity, and positioning itself for the opportunities that lie ahead. This growth reflects Brian’s entrepreneurial prowess, his willingness to invest, and his confidence in Guyana’s future,” President Ali stated.

Back in March, Indian manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), delivered two brand-new Dornier HAL-228 aircraft for Jags Aviation – a subsidiary of the BK Group of Companies, owned by local businessman, Brian Tiwari. This comes some two years after HAL had previously built two similar aircraft for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

With growing local interests, both from the public and private sectors, in these aircraft, President Ali called on the Indian manufacturer to formally establish their footprint in Guyana to serve the Caribbean and South America region.

“I think HAL and India is now placed to the test… we are demonstrating our confidence in buying, yes, but we want you to establish a commercial hub and a service hub for HAL here in Guyana. And now that you’ve seen the private sector in Guyana backing a policy decision, the ball is in your court.

“But you have to put skin in the game. You have seen our interests. You have seen that we were willing to walk this journey with you. HAL needs to establish formally its footprint in Guyana for the Caribbean and South American market. You have to build this sector here. You have to join us here. We are not your marketers. We are your partners,” President Ali declared.