Roraima Airways on Friday commissioned its third Britten Norman trislander aircraft into commercial service at the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), which will aid the tourism, mining and health sectors.
The aerodrome was filled to capacity as many caught a glimpse of the new aircraft which costs approximately US$700,000 (approximately GY$140 million). It is the second of its kind in Guyana and was assembled by engineers attached to Roraima’s Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia shared his remarks as he highlighted the fact that this aircraft boasts three engines, which is most suitable for short landing strips that are found in Guyana’s hinterland. He added that the aircraft is equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), to improve safety and the improved acquisition means more fly time.
“Because of the length of this aircraft’s fuselage, we are now able to transport pipes and other mining supplies without the need to cut the pipes or dismantle the equipment. We fly into the far reaches of Guyana’s hinterland day and night, saving lives and helping to build Guyana one day at a time,” said Gouveia.
The CEO also stated that the trilander planes now form the backbone of the company’s operations and its customers have been expressing high levels of satisfaction as it relates to safety.
“We have been the first to fully equip all of our planes with the ADSB flight tracking systems which allow not only our own operations centre to watch and track our planes in real time but also allow the air traffic controllers to see and follow our planes from take-off to landing.”
Minister within the Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson emphasised the continuous growth of the aviation sector as she congratulated Roraima Airways on its achievements in the aviation industry.
Guyana’s International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rating has moved from 44.4 per cent to 64.4 per cent, with another scheduled evaluation in November.
Also speaking at the launching ceremony, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Desmond Sears indicated that the new addition to Roraima’s fleet addresses the growing need for air services in a developing Guyana.
“These flights will enhance our physical links with the hinterland and open up new business opportunities,” Sears said.
Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Egbert Field, commended the aviation company for utilising local content to assemble the aircraft as he said the GCAA is working to ensure more local engineers get access to job opportunities in the industry.
