Online aircraft landing permits improving aviation efforts – Indar

Following the launch of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) e-services landing permit system, the aviation sector continues to see improvements, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar has said.

Speaking to the News Room during an interview on Tuesday, the minister said the Government of Guyana continues to advance plans to grow the aviation sector.

The minister confirmed that the newly-introduced online aircraft landing permit system is fully operational. The system replaces a previously paper-based process, allowing operators to submit applications digitally and receive approvals before aircraft departure.

“That is working…it’s a very fantastic [operation]. Its working and we have to do the others as well. The folks at GCAA are working on it,” the minister said.

Additionally, the ministry is positioning the country as a regional aviation hub, in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s mandate.

“Building out infrastructure is one part of it, making sure that we have cheaper travel is another part of it because what is the sense you have a wonderful investment environment and people can’t get here to see and work with people here,” Minister Indar said.

The minister said a strategic plan is already in place and implementation is underway, including the completion of Terminal Two at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. He announced that two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be issued shortly for additional airport-related works.

As part of the wider upgrade, the government is rehabilitating and modernising interior aerodromes, many of which currently lack concrete runways. Several are expected to be converted to concrete surfaces by 2026.

“We will be launching two RFPs shortly for Rose Hall airport and one at Lethem too. We are fixing at least about 40 of the aerodromes to make them concrete surface,” he said.

The minister said the aviation sector’s regulatory framework is also being modernised to align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and the development of expanded cargo-handling facilities are underway. These upgrades are intended to support the export of agricultural produce to international markets.

In addition to infrastructure development, the government is working to ensure affordable and accessible air travel, noting that competitive pricing is critical to attracting investors and supporting business travel to Guyana.