Trans Guyana seeking to build South American connections with new Barbados service

By Stabroek News November 7, 2020

With the launch of its service on the Guyana to Barbados route, Trans Guyana Airways (TGA) is aiming to bridge connections to South America, according to Managing Director Alexandra Correia.

“This is a part of our larger plans. We are looking to form connections to the rest of South America. We have operations in Lethem already so we are looking to connect travelers with the rest of South America. A lot of tourist are already coming to Barbados so we are starting here,” Correia told Stabroek News.

TGA began operating commercial flights out of Eugene F Correia International Airport (EFCIA) on Sunday. The move comes months after the local airline has been operating repatriation flights between Guyana and Barbados. This is the airlines second regional route. The airline also operates between Guyana and Suriname.

With regional airlines LIAT not currently operating on the route, it is open and has now become a competitive one with both TGA and Caribbean Airlines operating.

Correia explained that with the launch of the new route, they have also introduced a new sophisticated booking platform. The platform will allow passengers to easily make bookings and navigate on their webpage.

Additionally, the managing director explained that they been operating under strict COVID-19 measures. She explained that the aircraft is filled to 75% of its capacity to ensure passengers remain safe throughout the duration of the 145-minute flight.

The airlines utilises the Beechcraft 1900D aircraft, and Correia explained that it is a pressurized aircraft which flies at 25,000 feet.

“It is faster than the 68-seater ATR-72 [LIAT’s aircraft] and has a spacious cabin that you can stand up in and that we limit to 14 passengers to ensure your comfort and ample social distancing,” she explained.

According to Correia their fares are competitive. Prices start at US$299 one way. Passengers are allowed one free piece of luggage and have the option to purchase additional weight. However depending on the flight class the passenger chooses, the baggage limit will be waivered.

The airlines is operating five weekly flights on the route.

Passengers entering Guyana are required to present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 done within seventy-two hours of travel. This allows them to exit the airport and be on their way after clearing Port Health Authorities, Immigration, and Customs.

As a second option, passengers will also be allowed entry into Guyana if they are able to present a negative PCR result of a test taken within four to seven days (4-7) of travel. However, they will be required to do another test upon arrival in Guyana after which the passengers will be free to proceed to their homes or hotels where they will remain isolated. Results will be relayed to all passengers within 24 hours.

The negative PCR test result will have to be shown to the airline operator during the check-in process at the airport of embarkation. And, subsequently, the negative PCR test result will also have to be shown to the Port Health Officials upon arrival at Guyana’s international airports (CJIA or EFCIA).