-by Celestine Chacon
Guyana is seeking an international partner to help establish the country as a global hub for aviation training and human-resource development.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali made the announcement while addressing the ICAO-EASA conference which opened today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The Head of State says Guyana’s aviation sector has undergone remarkable growth in recent years, driven by expanded connectivity, improved infrastructure, and new investments.
He says Guyana continues to positions itself as a leader in food production and supply, and aviation will play a central role in supporting that ambition.
However, he stressed that the continued expansion of the sector must be accompanied by greater investment in human-resource development and capacity building.
“We are looking for a partner to help us to position Guyana as a global hub for training, aviation development, human resource development, every aspect of aviation,” the president said.
Additionally, he revealed that the government is prepared to move forward with negotiations with potential international airline partners for the use of Terminal 2 at Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
He said the facility could also be developed into a global aviation hub, creating opportunities for both Guyana and international partners seeking to expand their operations and connectivity through the country.
Meanwhile, President Ali has called for an urgent global strategy on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in aviation.
”It is important that ICAO and all of the of the organizations from this moment adapt an AI strategy that is shared among all your membership that identifies the opportunities, threats possibilities but importantly start the conversation on the regulations that will govern AI and safety in this industry,” he said.
He told the conference that said such a strategy should address regulation, adaptability, equity and integration, warning that countries could otherwise risk being left behind as AI becomes increasingly integrated into the aviation sector.