He told the opening of the Army's Annual Officers Conference that he met recently with the Aircraft Owners Association (AOA) and informed them that there was no issue as to whether the military will fly commercially.

He said the issue was settled and the Army would be flying commercially.

The President's remarks were in response to an earlier comment by Army Chief of Staff, Brigadier Michael Atherly that the use of the excess capacity of the GDF Air Corps to help reduce the cost of air transportation to the interior should not conflict with, but rather complement the efforts of private industry.

He said he was of the view that the mining and forestry sectors would be quick to support the view.
The President, whose remarks drew loud cheers from the audience, said he also told the AOA which has been arguing about a level playing field, that the Government was prepared to give some help so that the association can reduce some costs but that he was not prepared to discuss not allowing the Army to fly.

The Army, he added, will not have need to raise the issue again as a concern, fearing that the Government or the Defence Board will cave in to the pressure of the association.

He added there may be many flights which the Army will have to make that other services will be reluctant to undertake.

President Jagdeo also drew appreciative cheers when he said that it is his desire that each person entering the Army must have a marketable skill by the time he or she retires, to tide them when they go out into the world.

He said it was time for that to be put in place.