The Governmnent Information Agency (GINA) said he made the observation while referring to the projected influx of participating companies during the period ahead of Cricket World Cup (CWC) matches, some of which are scheduled to be hosted in Guyana next year.

Benn said the competition will reduce the cost of travel and create a more positive environment in the airline industry, noting that, during the next six months, more carriers are likely to come on stream and take advantage of the prospects available during the International Cricket Council (ICC) games.

Speaking about the capacity to deal with the increased traffic, he said the mechanisms in place are adequate to cope with the ingress and egress during the 2007 international cricket matches.

Alluding to statements appearing in the print media purporting inability of the airport to effectively handle the greater volume, he expressed confidence in the incumbent system but admitted that room exists for advancement.

“Even though the system is, to some extent, old fashioned, it is adequate and has been working,” Benn said.

He said the Works Ministry is making representation for further upgrades to existing systems.

“We want to upgrade the system so it could be fully computerised and digitalised but this would cost a considerable amount of money,” Benn acknowledged.

He said the information being circulated emanated from documents presented by the ministry.

“What is there and what needs to be done with respect to improving the system came from within our department…the information is specific to this department and came out somehow from the department,” Benn said, adding that “this is proof that we are attending to the matter.”

He posited that persons now using the facility are pleasantly surprised to see the improvements that have been made.

GINA said the government, during the last year, has been striving to do its part in creating an enabling environment for additional operators to function.

Among other things, the main runway at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri has been resurfaced, new lights were installed and the Arrivals Terminal building, the viewing gallery and the VIP Lounge renovated.

GINA said a runway sweeper and four vehicles were purchased for security and aerodrome inspections.

Other additions included flight information display systems, baggage scanners, walk through metal detectors and an automatic change-over switch for the airport’s generator system.

Installation of a car park ticketing machine is scheduled for early next year while upgrading security lights on the perimeter fence has already been included in the budget, GINA stated.

The agency said an airport master plan and a feasibility study for the extension of the runway are in the pipeline, too.

The execution of these projects has contributed to compliance with international standards, GINA said.

According to the agency, earlier this year, the airport was recertified, for the third consecutive year, as being compliant with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), making it one of only two in the Caribbeam boasting such accomplishments.

Three new central windsock systems, valued at $2M, were recently installed to assist traffic controllers and pilots ascertain wind direction and speed.