Roraima slashes fares to upgraded hinterland airstrips by seven per cent

Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr.

Roraima Airways announced on Friday a seven per cent reduction in airfares to all recently rehabilitated hinterland airstrips, making it the first airline in the country to extend cost reductions across every upgraded runway.
The move follows President Irfaan Ali’s call for the aviation sector to support hinterland communities by lowering travel costs, alongside government investments in modernising and rehabilitating remote airstrips.
Over recent years, the government has rehabilitated airstrips in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, with another 11 scheduled for completion.
Upgrades include runway lighting systems and automated weather reporting, marking one of the most significant improvements in Guyana’s aviation safety infrastructure.
“When public investment improves safety and reliability, it is our responsibility to translate those gains into real benefits for the people,” said Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr., Director of Aviation at Roraima Airways. “The improved condition of these airstrips allows us to reduce operational costs, and we are passing those savings directly to the people who depend on air transport,” he added.
Following operational and cost analysis, Roraima Airways said the improved runway conditions materially reduce aircraft wear, maintenance exposure, and operational risk, enabling the airline to implement the fare reduction immediately. The airline confirmed the same seven per cent reduction will apply automatically to all newly rehabilitated or constructed hinterland airstrips.
Guyana’s aviation safety progress has received international recognition. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) recently scored 80 per cent in an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit, exceeding the global average. Guyana is also the first country in the region to adopt and implement an ICAO-aligned Next Generation of Aviation Professionals programme, aimed at strengthening long-term safety, training and institutional capacity.
President Ali has set a target of a 15 per cent reduction in hinterland airfares. Roraima Airways said it is committed to working toward further reductions as infrastructure, efficiencies, and operational conditions continue to improve.
“This seven per cent reduction is our first concrete, sustainable step,” Capt. Gouveia said. “We are committed to continuing this journey, responsibly, transparently, and in partnership with the government, so that safer runways ultimately translate into more affordable access for hinterland communities.”