With Guyana’s oil boom quickly taking shape, there has been a noticeable increase in air traffic to this part of the world. The most recent came in the form of American Airlines announcing its newest direct service from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport which is still undergoing expansion work.
American Airlines through its Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, Vasu Raja said that the newest announced route will be important for customers in New York with cultural, business, or economic interest in the market. Raja boasted too that “American is the only U.S. carrier that flies directly to Georgetown…and we look forward to welcoming Guyanese visitors to the Big Apple.”
The new service from JFK will be operated daily on a Boeing 737-800 with 160 seats, including 16 seats in first class. The aircraft also features access to power at every seat and more entertainment options, including free live TV and the ability to stream Apple Music while on board.
The daily flights are scheduled to leave JFK at 6:00 pm and arrive in Guyana at 12:40 am. The return flight will leave Guyana at 01:35 am and arrive in New York at 06:29 am.
Of note is the fact that this announcement comes even as the airline awaits approval from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority.
American Airline began operating four weekly flights to Guyana from Miami in November of last year. The airline had earlier informed that it plans to increase to daily service in the summer, and will operate on a larger aircraft with 172 seats this winter due to the strong demand. The new JFK – GEO flight tickets will be available for purchase from today (May 6th, 2019).
Already the airline has been well received by Guyana’s tourism sector.
“Guyana welcomed American Airlines in 2018 with non-stop flights from Miami International Airport. This new route opens up an additional way travellers can access Guyana, experience its tourism product and discover its beauty. With these daily flights, American Airlines will make Guyana more accessible to the world and its key tourism markets,” said Brian T. Mullis, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority.
He added too that, “Guyana has recently gained worldwide recognition for being named the number one Eco-Tourism Destination in the world by the Green Destination Foundation at ITB Berlin. Many want to experience the wonders of Guyana and this new route will help to make that possible.”
This is the airline’s fourth destination in South America from JFK. American Airlines has boasted of being the airline that provides more service to South America than any other carrier, with more than 265 weekly flights to the region.
