US carrier United Airlines last night touched done at the CJIA, Timehri marking the launch of a new direct service between Houston, Texas and Guyana.
This route is clearly intended to capitalise on the oil and gas traffic from Houston, to Guyana.
United had previously signalled interest in the Guyana route.
In a statement last December, the airline had said “On April 1, United will be the first airline to offer non-stop service between Houston and Georgetown, Guyana, with four times weekly service on a Boeing 737-MAX 8 aircraft. This route joins nonstop flights to more than 160 destinations from Houston, including more than 85 destinations no other carriers serve non-stop from the city – including places like Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Peru and more”.
A release from the CJIA follows:
Georgetown, Guyana – Monday, April 1 – United Airlines
inaugurated its nonstop flight from Houston to Georgetown, Guyana,
operated by a Boeing 737-MAX 8. The airline’s 737 MAX 8 has a
capacity of 166 passengers, equipped with 16 United First seats, 54
Economy Plus seats and 96 United Economy seats, and features
United’s NEXT interior with larger overhead bins, seatback
entertainment in every seat and industry’s fastest available Wi-Fi.
The new service, which runs four times a week, will give customers
easy and direct access to both destinations. This also enhances the
relationship between the two countries and opens up exciting new
opportunities for both business and leisure travelers.
United now has the largest and most diversified international route
network among U.S. airlines, offering non-stop service to 134
international destinations across 67 countries. United offers flights tomore destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific than all U.S. carriers combined, and continues to expand its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, growing its summer schedule by over 10% throughout the region.
Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning
and Alliances at United Airlines, highlighted the company’s commitment to the region.
“We are excited to connect Houston, as well as the broader United
network, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world,”
said Patrick Quayle, United Airlines Senior Vice President of Global
Network and Alliances. “This new route will offer our customers
convenient access to the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage
of Guyana and United is proud to remain the top airline to Latin
America and the Caribbean from Houston, offering service to 52
unique destinations in the region – more than all other carriers
combined.”
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, emphasized the
importance of strengthening the US/Guyana partnership with the
development of such business ventures.
“United Airlines’ new flight to Guyana is more than just a flight; it
represents yet another significant milestone in our bilateral
relationship. It’s a clear and exciting message that our
commercial linkages are deepening, as we witness the growing
number of U.S. companies coming to do business in Guyana.
Moreover, this new route will unlock incredible tourism
opportunities by inviting even more travelers to experience the
many offerings of both of our countries. Simply put, it’s a win-
win for our economies, our cultures, and our close people-to-
people ties.”
Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, is
enthusiastic that this new route will catapult tourism prospects in
Guyana and the United States.
“This is a significant development for Guyana’s tourism industry.
It underscores the increasing interest in travel between Guyana
and the United States, a key source market for us. This new
service will not only provide our citizens with greater travel options but also serve as a major catalyst for further enhancing
Guyana’s connectivity to the global tourism marketplace.”
She further underscored, “This direct flight will make it easier and
more convenient for travelers from the United States to experience
Guyana’s unique beauty and diverse offerings. We expect this to
lead to a significant increase in visitor arrivals, which will have a
positive ripple effect throughout our economy, creating jobs,
supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall
growth and development of the tourism sector.”
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, hailed the inaugural
flight as a tangible symbol of the government’s vision for expanded air
travel options.
“This is a concrete example of our government’s vision for
increased airlift and positioning Guyana as a significant hub for
the Caribbean and beyond. It also serves as a powerful testament
to the ongoing infrastructural development taking place within
the country, which will further fuel interest and investment in
Guyana’s immense potential.”
The Minister further stated, “This venture also demonstrates that
the international community has confidence in our nation’s
growth and potential. This new connection will not only facilitate
travel and trade but also catalyze further economic development
and investment in Guyana. We are committed to fostering a
thriving aviation sector that connects Guyana to the world and
propels us towards a brighter future.”
Upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the inaugural flight was met with a water salute.
