The new routes are all part of the airline’s phase two expansion plan, Vice-President, Mr. Harribhajan Persaud told the Chronicle in a telephone interview yesterday.

On Sunday, a Boeing 747 leased by Universal Airlines from Atlanta Icelandic of Iceland, touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri with in excess of 300 passengers aboard on its maiden voyage here.

Persaud yesterday confirmed that the airline also scored another plus in its operations in being granted permission by the Government of Trinidad to land a 747 aircraft at the Piarco Airport, Trinidad, as well.

He explained that Universal Airlines used the Boeing 747 to fill the void that would have been created, as the lessee was not ready with the 767 aircraft which the airline will now be operating.

The airline was however pleased to offer its Guyanese patrons who have never flown on a Boeing 747 plane the “wonderful” experience, the official added.

Asked whether the airline is pleased with the response from the Guyanese market to date, the airline’s Vice President replied in the affirmative, adding that the signs are indeed positive.

He pointed out that the airline business today has been filled with problems and challenges ever since the September 11 tragedy, and in an effort to stay afloat some larger airlines companies have had to institute cost-effective measures such as retrenchment, salary reduction of senior and junior staff.

Notwithstanding this, Universal Airlines though not fortune to be getting financial support from Government in this time of worldwide crisis for airlines, has kept to its game plan in terms of expansion.

The airline is also in the process of recruiting new flight attendants, all positive signs of forging ahead and staying in the business.