The early morning sun had barely warmed the tarmac when two sleek, gleaming Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft descended from the skies and touched down in Guyana on Friday.
For JAGS Aviation Inc., this was not just another delivery, it was a milestone that spoke volumes about the company’s vision, the nation’s aviation progress, and the growing role air transport plays in unlocking Guyana’s tourism potential.
Built for short-field performance and regional connectivity, the Italian-made P2012s are tailor-made for Guyana’s diverse geography, from the bustling coast to the deep hinterland and its remote airstrips.
Each aircraft accommodates more than nine passengers in a spacious, air-conditioned cabin equipped with USB charging ports and advanced Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. Comfort meets capability, ensuring that travellers bound for eco-lodges, interior communities, or regional islands arrive in safety and style.
For JAGS Aviation, the acquisition of these aircraft is more than a fleet expansion; it’s an investment in the future of connectivity. “The Tecnam P2012’s blend of performance, versatility, and passenger comfort aligns perfectly with Guyana’s growing tourism demand,” the company noted, emphasising its role in modernising the aviation landscape.
BOOST FOR INDUSTRY AND ECONOMY
The arrival of the new planes drew praise from Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Fields, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, who described the moment as a win for both the economy and the industry.
“These additions show the airline’s confidence in Guyana, and in the direction President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration is moving,” Fields said. “We are in an era where investment in the air is moving this country leaps and bounds… It is without a doubt an aviation industry that will be the envy of the Caribbean in the next year or two.”
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, delivering the feature address, framed the moment in the context of Guyana’s wider transformation over the past five years. He reflected on Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, which now sees more than 220 landings daily — a feat unimaginable a decade ago.
“This is a great day for aviation,” the Minister declared. “We have watched how different sectors, agencies, and parts of Guyana have modernised and transformed.”
With this latest addition, JAGS now boasts six aircraft acquired in just five years — a testament to steady private-sector investment in high-return industries. Edghill also revealed that he recently signed an order permitting JAGS and BK International to operate at Bartica’s airstrip, with plans to develop it into a modern aerodrome to better serve tourism.
Beyond new aircraft, the government’s aviation strategy is clear: modernise infrastructure, upgrade technology, and strengthen local capacity. Safety, the Minister stressed, remains the top priority, alongside efficiency and predictability for hinterland operations.
BIGGER VISION
There is also a bigger vision at play. With Guyana already attracting long-haul wide-body carriers, officials anticipate a surge in connecting services to South America and the Caribbean — positioning the country as a regional aviation hub.
To achieve this, Edghill called for greater investment in human capital, especially in aviation engineering, so that critical maintenance can be done locally.
“It will save time, it will save money,” he said. “With the support of the Guyanese people, when President Ali and the PPP/C are returned after September 1, we will continue to work with JAGS, BK, OAI, and all operators to expand, modernise, and improve the aviation sector.”
