the agreement was signed in Montreal, Canada, at the ICAO 42nd Assembly by Hon. Barbara Creecy, Minister of Transport, and Lt of South Africa and Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field. The agreement complements the more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has established with other ICAO States to develop air connectivity among States, the ministry provided.

The statement noted that the agreement strengthens the partnership and reaffirms the commitment of both nations to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. “It aims to expand air service opportunities, promote economic growth, boost trade and tourism, and maintain the highest safety and security standards in air travel, addressing concerns related to aviation security,” the statement said. It was shared that alongside the standard articles on Grant of Rights, Designation and Authorization, Recognition of Certificates and Licences, Safety, Aviation Security, Principles Governing Operations of Agreed Services, User Charges, Tariffs and others, both parties expressed a keen desire for this agreement to create opportunities for airlines of both countries to expand their air connectivity.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director General stated that, “Significant efforts were made to reach this Agreement, marking a positive step forward. Guyana is forging partnerships and friendships with other countries to promote transformation in its aviation sector.” It was noted that Guyana and South Africa established diplomatic ties on November 4, 1994. This publication understands that South Africa has a vibrant aviation sector and is home to South African Airways, which operates to at least 16 destinations within Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. “With the signing of these Air Services Agreements, the vision of Guyana becoming an international hub for air connectivity gets closer,” the statement stated. Kaieteur News had reported that last Friday Guyana and Rwanda signed an ‘open skies’ Air Services Agreement to encourage and facilitate airlines operating air services between the two countries. That agreement was signed between Director General and H.E Prosper Higiro, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Canada. (Kaieteur News)