United Airlines on Monday inaugurated its nonstop flight from Houston, US to Guyana, a route seen as important to ExxonMobil which has its headquarters in the American city.
A release from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri said that the route will be serviced by a Boeing 737-MAX 8. This aircraft 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 will run 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 new opportunities for both business and leisure travellers.
The release said that 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 to more 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”, the release added.
Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines, spoke about 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,” he was quoted as saying, adding that “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, underlined the importance of bolstering the US/Guyana partnership through 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”, she was quoted as saying.
Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce expressed enthusiasm at the entry of United to the Guyana market.
“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 was quoted as saying.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, hailed the 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”, he said.
The Minister added that the venture also demonstrates that the international community has confidence in the nation’s growth and potential.
Upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the inaugural flight was met with a water salute.
President Irfaan Ali yesterday received a visit from the executives of the airline.
A release from the Office of the President said that he welcomed the airline to Guyana and used the opportunity to highlight the country’s tourism products. He also encouraged the airline to explore ways to incorporate products from the local economy into their operations.
The visiting team also presented a model of the United Airlines aircraft to the President.
The inaugural flight on Monday was flown by Guyanese pilot Ravishankar Rameshar.
