North American to start scheduled flights in May
North American Airlines (NAA) will start scheduled flights to and from Guyana from May 3, according to its President Dan McKinnon who is on a visit to ensure operations are in compliance with regulations for such service. McKinnon at a press conference held at GTV 11's studios yesterday noted that since July last year, the company has been operating a charter service twice weekly. The airline has been operating in Guyana for the last six years. A scheduled service means less paperwork for passengers and would make it easier for them to book flights on NAA. He explained that passengers could now obtain their tickets through travel agents. According to McKinnon, computer reservation systems would distribute schedules and seat availability to travel agents who would be able to issue NAA tickets from those systems. Travel agents would get their usual 10 percent commission with no caps. The airline, which according to McKinnon boasts a new fleet of planes, plans to add a thrice weekly flight to Guyana from New York, beginning June 25. The company operates two Boeing 757s and two Boeing 737-800s. McKinnon noted that he had had talks with Guyana Airways 2000 Chairman Yesu Persaud and there is an agreement whereby the airlines could endorse each other's tickets. The NAA president said he also met Minister of Transport Anthony Xavier who enlightened him about developmental work at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. McKinnon said the rules for operating a scheduled service were stricter and as a result he was examining the operations here along with Vice President/Operations Edward Dascoli to ensure the regulations of the US Federal Aviation Administration, the government and other related agencies are complied with. He said he was pleased with the service provided by the management and staff of the local ground handling agency. Roraima Airways is the handling agent for the airline. Also present at the press conference were head of the Guyana office Jennifer De Barros and Sales Manager Junior Horatio.
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