Guyana, Oman sign air services agreement to expand connectivity

Guyana and Oman on Monday signed an Air Services Agreement at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada, aimed at encouraging and facilitating airlines operating air services between the two countries and to other nations.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Nayef Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, on behalf of Oman, and Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, on behalf of Guyana.

In addition to standard provisions covering Designation of Airlines, Application of Laws and Regulations, Cooperative Arrangements, Tariffs, Recognition of Certificates and Licences, Aviation Safety, Aviation Security, and User Charges, both sides expressed eagerness for the pact to open opportunities for airlines of both countries to expand their air connectivity.

“These Agreements are necessary and create the legal foundation that will help Guyana realise President Ali’s vision of Guyana becoming an international hub for air connectivity, more so with the construction of a modern Terminal B at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport,” Field said.

Currently, there are no direct flights between Guyana and Oman. The agreement, however, provides market access for airlines to operate and enhance competitive air transport services, trade, and economic growth between the two nations. Oman Air, one of Oman’s national airlines, operates in at least 22 countries and serves over 37 destinations worldwide, including Africa, the Far East, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Middle East, and North Africa. Officials expect the agreement will encourage Omani airlines to consider including Guyana in their network.

The agreement complements more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has established with other ICAO member states. Guyana and Oman established diplomatic relations on Jan. 17, 1996, and the new accord reflects the friendly diplomatic relationship between the two nations.