GA2000 may take off next week
by Wendella Davidson
A SENIOR Government functionary has indicated that Guyana Airways 2000 (GA2000), this country's first privately owned and operated National Flag Carrier, may finally receive approval to fly to Canada and the United States by next week. At this week's Cabinet meeting of the Guyana Government, approval was granted to American Airlines, a United States charter, to operate a service to this country. Minister of Hydraulics and Transport, Anthony Xavier, confirmed on Wednesday that Cabinet has given the okay for approval to be granted to the American charter. But Minister Xavier emphasised that the approval is subject to conditionalities, that, the arrangement was intended to be "reciprocal" meaning, that Guyana Airways 2000 must also be granted landing rights in the United States, and too, that both airlines should begin their operations "simultaneously". Guyana Airways 2000 had earlier announced plans to launch operations with an inaugural flight to Canada on June 17 last, and the following day, to begin flying to New York using an A300-600R airbus. President Janet Jagan and other senior Government officials were among the special invitees for the flight to Canada. However, all arrangements were ditched, and Chairman of GA2000, Mr Yesu Persaud in a release stated that the cancellation of the Canada trip was due to "the non-completion by the regulatory authorities there, of the regulatory process for the issue of the appropriate approvals to Nordstress," which is the Australian operator, to fly the airbus. Persaud, who had earlier hinted of the problem in the US had said then, "The Charters are against GA2000 being granted landing rights, unless they are allowed to compete against them out of Guyana as North American flag carriers." The Chronicle understands that prior to the Cabinet discussion, officials from GA2000 and the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) had held talks. The Chronicle further learnt that a meeting was recently convened between officials from the Guyana Government and the United States. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GA2000, Mr Anthony Mekdeci, when contacted Wednesday, said he was not aware of any new developments, but was nevertheless happy to hear of the good news. Asked how early GA2000 will take to the skies, Mekdeci said, "I expect the airline will be in the air shortly." Meanwhile, the Chronicle understands that GA2000 staffers, including cabin attendants, are continuing the training which they commenced prior to the planned July 17 inaugural flight. The new airline is a joint venture arrangement with the Guyana Government, and will sport the colours of red, blue and yellow. According to information released by GA2000, the modern wide-bodied aircraft with fares at "absolutely" competitive prices, will fly every day of the week, offering six non-stop flights to New York and two to Toronto. The airline's mission is to offer Guyanese an international service of excellence, with a distinctive Guyanese character. A special feature is that its schedule for departure and arrival are designed particularly to serve the convenience of the Guyanese passengers, especially those who have to travel long distances to and from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, at Timehri.
Timetable Day 1 - Signing of agreement Day 6 - Full resumption of work Day 10 - Appointment of tribunal Day 70 - Submission of arbitration award
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