The Cheddi Jagan Inter-national Airport (CJIA), Timehri was buzzing with excitement as REDjet’s inaugural flight from Barbados to Guyana landed yesterday morning and passengers declared their satisfaction.
The low-rates flight, which accommodated approximately 149 persons, arrived in Guyana at 11:25 am, and was greeted by Minister of Tourism Manniram Prashad, members of the media, and executive members of Digicel (Guyana) Incorporated.
The experience was described by satisfied passengers as “awesome”, “sweet” and “great”. Passengers said they were required to pay a fare of Bds$200, which is equivalent to US$100 or $20,000 in Guyana currency.
Passengers said the flight was affordable as well as comfortable.
Following the arrival there was a media briefing, during which CEO of the airline Ian Burns assured that REDjet intends to fly the Barbados-Guyana route for many years to come.
Noting that some of yesterday’s passengers came home after many years to see their families in Guyana, he said that REDjet’s low fares are making this possible. Burns added that with REDjet “there will be no more US$400 fares on this route.”
The CEO said the airline will now be operating four times a week from Barbados: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and he is hoping that they will be able to do the same from Trinidad soon.
Also speaking at the briefing was Minister Prashad, who praised the REDjet team for their efforts in making this flight a success.
He also noted that President Jagdeo had promised to try his utmost to assist in whatever way possible. Prashad also recalled that when the idea was first placed on the table no one really believed that a cheaper airline operating this route would materialize.
“Jet Blue did it so why can’t we have REDjet in Guyana,” the minister quipped. Addressing the other airlines, Prashad stated that “Redjet is not here for competition, REDjet is here to complement the service you are doing.”
The minister also noted that two REDjet shareholders yesterday set foot in South America for the first time, thanks to the airline’s operations.
Business Development Director for REDjet, Robbie Burns said that the flights which are one hour, twenty minutes long have caused tremendous growth in the market, as other airlines have slashed their prices by over 16%.
He added that the directors and members of the team are committed to maintaining low fares and in the near future even dropping them some more.
Yesterday’s flight comprised a team of two pilots (one of whom is in Guyana for the fourth time), and three crew members. The team as a whole consists of 89 employees. Redjet is based in Barbados and along with employees from the host country, it is expected that some Guyanese will be employed as well. (Abigail Semple)
