-with 10-point plan

-by Nakasia Logan

As the government moves to position Guyana as a regional aviation powerhouse, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has unveiled an ambitious 10-point plan to transform the country into a premier gateway connecting the Caribbean, South America, North America and Africa.The strategy sets out a roadmap for a modern and internationally competitive aviation industry designed to boost connectivity, facilitate trade and attract greater investment in areas such as tourism. 

Key pillars of the plan include construction of new airport infrastructure, development of municipal airports, expansion of hinterland airstrips, establishment of a national aviation school, enhanced air traffic management and the integration of artificial intelligence into aviation services.

Speaking at the commissioning of the new aircraft at JAGS Aviation’s Bradley Hangar at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, President Ali said the overarching goal is to position Guyana as a leading aviation gateway for the region and beyond.

“The first pillar of this plan is to transform Guyana into a regional aviation hub. This vision is to see Guyana position itself as a premier aviation gateway linking the Caribbean, South America, North America and Africa,” he said.

The president also used the occasion to issue a direct challenge to India’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) urging the company to establish a commercial and maintenance hub in Guyana to serve the Caribbean and South American markets.

“We are not interested in buying an aircraft. 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. HAL needs to establish firmly its footprint in Guyana for the Caribbean and South American market. You have to build a sector here. You have to join us here.We are not your marketers. We are your partners,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, President Ali commended JAGS Aviation and its owner, Brian Tiwarie, for their continued investments in the sector, describing the company’s expansion as a reflection of growing confidence in Guyana’s economic future.

“This growth reflects Brian’s entrepreneurial prowess, his willingness to invest, and his confidence in Guyana’s future. But it also reflects something larger. As JAGS Aviation is soaring, Guyana too is rising,” he said.

The event also marked the induction of the first HAL 228 aircraft into commercial service in Guyana, as two new aircraft were officially commissioned into the expanding JAGS Aviation fleet.