British Airways Launches Official Twice-Weekly Flights to Guyana Via St. Lucia

On Monday, the eagerly awaited British Airways flight arrived at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri to commence its twice-weekly service to Guyana via St. Lucia. The airline's Boeing 777-200ER aircraft can accommodate up to 332 passengers. During a welcoming ceremony at the airport, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Guyana's aviation industry, noting the transition from a dire state to continuous progress in the sector. He also highlighted the government's commitment to modernizing the country's main entry point, which has resulted in a 25% increase in air traffic compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Minister of Public Works stated that the country is experiencing growth and will continue to do so. To facilitate this growth, the government is expanding airport facilities and adding new routes. Minister Deodat Indar, who works within the Public Works ministry, expressed similar sentiments and added that the government's focus on development and significant investments are attracting many people to Guyana. Minister Indar expressed pride in the improved environment for aviation in Guyana, which can now attract more aircraft from various destinations. He noted that the decision to invest in flying to Guyana required careful calculation and confidence in the country, and he hopes other airlines will follow British Airways' lead. This expansion of air travel connectivity enhances Guyana's links to the Caribbean and the rest of the world. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, commented on the numerous opportunities that the new flights will bring to Guyana, including the potential for additional partnerships. The government sees Guyana as an active participant in the global travel network and is committed to making the country easily accessible to all sectors, including leisure and business travel. British High Commissioner, Jane Miller, noted that the direct flights will strengthen the relationship between the UK and Guyana. The visa-free travel agreement to the UK, announced last year, further strengthens government-to-government and people-to-people relations, allowing Guyanese to visit the UK for up to 180 days without a visitor's visa. Also present at the event were Indian High Commissioner K.J Srinivasa, St Lucia's Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information Ernest Hilaire, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office David Rutley, Chairman of the CJIA board Sanjeev Datadin, and CEO Ramesh Ghir.

Source(News: Department of Public Information)

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28 Mar 2023 16:45 | by anaraine

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