Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon says Guyana will soon ink an Open Skies Agreement with the United States that would allow more international passenger and cargo flights from that country, increasing trade and economic growth.
Luncheon made this announcement during his post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday at the Office of the President, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
The agreement with the International Aviation Industry provides for liberalisation within the industry, thereby minimising government’s interventions in passenger, cargo, charter services and state-based flights.
“As you know currently, each one of those is tightly regulated by inter governmental and international agreements.
The Open Skies Agreement… is an opportunity that has been provided to Guyana to be liberalised,” Luncheon said.
According to US Department of State, “Open Skies agreements have vastly expanded international passenger and cargo flights to and from the United States, promoting increased travel and trade, enhancing productivity, and spurring high-quality job opportunities and economic growth.”
Barbados, Suriname and St. Kitts and Nevis are among Caricom countries that already have agreements with the US.
Luncheon said the decision was taken based on advice from Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, who has oversight for the aviation industry, who noted that the agreement will allow Guyanese to benefit from a more reliable transportation service and it will pave the way for agreements with other countries that will enable flights from here to land at their airports.
“Once Guyana meets the standard procedures that obtain in other countries, the agreement will allow for the safe landing of airlines in other countries other than at the Cheddi Jagan Inter-national Airport, Timehri, as well as flights originating from Guyana to land in other countries other than states in the US, New York and Miami,” GINA said.
