Guyana’s aviation sector is expanding at an unprecedented pace, but maintaining high safety standards remains critical to protecting the country’s economic gains and international reputation, industry experts said.
The point was raised during a panel discussion titled “Aviation Safety: A Fresh Perspective,” hosted by the Public Utilities Ministry, the Civil Aviation Authority and the World Trade Centre Georgetown on Tuesday, held ahead of an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conference slated for Guyana in September.
Industry experts pointed to growth in passenger traffic, cargo movement, destinations and infrastructure development across the country.
Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Deputy Director General Dr Saheed Sulaman said available airline seats in the market had doubled in recent years, while cargo movement had increased from about 7,000 metric tonnes in 2020 to about 15,000 metric tonnes today. He said the number of destinations served had grown from about four to more than 16, with new routes and aircraft continually being added, adding that the industry’s success depended strongly on maintaining public confidence in aviation safety.
GCAA Director General Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field warned that a perception of weak aviation oversight could have serious economic consequences. He said if Guyana were deemed unsafe by international regulators such as the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airlines could reduce services, limit expansion plans or avoid operating in the country altogether.
Field said airlines from countries placed in lower safety categories faced restrictions on expanding operations to the United States, while insurance premiums increased and tourism could suffer significant setbacks.
“One accident and your economy is down because no one will want to fly into your state,” he said, adding that strong regulations and effective oversight were essential to maintaining confidence among airlines, investors and travellers.
WTCG Executive Director Wesley Kirton said as Guyana’s economy continued to diversify and transform, such forums provided a platform for exchanging ideas, challenging conventional thinking and identifying practical solutions.
“Safe skies are not merely an operational objective, they are a prerequisite for business confidence, investor assurance, tourism development, and international competitiveness,” he said.
Industry experts also examined challenges associated with the rise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and the need to embrace new technology, among other issues.
