A delegation from Caribbean Airlines, headed by the airline's Chairman George M. Nicholas III, held discussions with President Bharrat Jagdeo at State House, the official Residence of the President of Guyana in Georgetown, on Friday 28 January. The meeting was held to discuss major issues raised by the Guyanese President. In attendance at the meeting Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Tourism the Honourable Manniram Prashad, and the Minister of Transport the Honourable Robeson Benn.

Subsequent to the meeting with President Jagdeo, a press conference was held which saw the Caribbean Airlines delegation addressing pressing issues from the Guyanese media. Chairman Nicholas was joined by Vice-Chairman Mohan Jaikaran, Head of Corporate Communications, Laura Asbjornsen and Airport Manager-South America, Carl Stuart. The Caribbean Airlines Chairman announced that within the next two months, it will be offering direct flights between Georgetown and New York three times a week. The Chairman also indicated that an aircraft from the Caribbean Airlines fleet will be named “The Spirit of Guyana” in order to show solidarity with the Guyanese people.

President of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo (centre) discusses major issues with Caribbean Airlines Chairman George Nicholas (right) and Vice-Chairman Mohan Jaikaran (seated left)

“We apologize for the experience of Guyanese in Trinidad and Tobago, and we will address that when we return there,” noted Chairman Nicholas in response to questions from the media regarding complaints from Guyanese passengers who regularly have reported difficulties in the transit process at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad. The Chairman added that Caribbean Airlines is currently working with the relevant authorities to streamline the transit process in various countries.

Chairman Nicholas updated the media on the airline’s recent purchase of nine new ATR aircraft at a cost of US $200 million. "This ATR aircraft purchase will allow us to now consider the introduction of aircraft for regional flights operating from Ogle Airport when it receives its upgraded status. This development will see us connecting Guyana to Brazil at strategic points."

The issue of reduced airfares is also being examined. "Caribbean Airlines will have a better rate on direct flights, and our intention is to have one Caribbean Airline that services all of the Caribbean destinations. Caribbean Airlines will work with every Government, where possible, to bring the price of air travel down," the Chairman remarked. The Guyanese Government has also given the necessary permits for Caribbean Airlines to operate two extra Cargo flights to Miami per week.