TIMEHRI - Fly Jamaica Airways made its inaugural flight to Guyana on Thursday, September 26. The Jamaica-based airline was given the green light to operate two routes out of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Guyana to New York route and the Georgetown to Toronto route.
The services will operate with a Boeing 757-200ER aircraft, with a seating configuration of 12 business and 186 economy seats.
Non-stop services from Kingston to Toronto, Canada and Toronto to Georgetown, Guyana will commence on October 8.
In a short ceremony to mark the arrival of Fly Jamaica to Guyana, Acting President and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, welcomed the passengers from Jamaica stating that the new airline would add greatly to the possibilities for Guyana.
Observing that Guyana’s economy is now 10 times greater than in the late 1980s, the Prime Minister expressed hope that tourism would be part of the new change that is approaching. He urged Guyanese to improve their surroundings.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn, who has responsibility for transport, highlighted the need to extend the connectivity among the countries of the region. He pointed to upcoming international events to take place within the region and which would create various opportunities. Minister Benn also explained the steps which are being taken by Guyana to better air transport, such as improving the navigation and air traffic systems.
Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali stated that the airline had added one of the most versatile and exciting tourism destinations to its routes while at the same time promoting regional integration. He noted that travel from Jamaica to Guyana has increased by 15% this year, without the presence of Fly Jamaica.
Minister Ali committed the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to working with the Jamaican Tourism Authority to create joint packaging arrangements for tourists visiting both destinations. He observed that the signing of Memorandums of Understanding is approximately six months away which will see Guyana and St. Lucia and Guyana and Barbados as common destinations.
Jamaicans artistes who arrived on the flight, including Shal Marshall, served as ambassadors for their country and enjoyed the welcome they were accorded.
