Colombia’s airline Avianca will begin twice weekly flights here from December 11, a move hailed by government officials here.
The airline made the announcement yesterday in a release. It said that starting December 11, Avianca will operate two weekly flights on the direct route, Georgetown–Bogotá.
These flights will be served by A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers.
With this new option, it said that travellers in Guyana can access one of the largest networks on the continent, with more than 140 routes in the Americas and Europe.
Customers who wish to purchase tickets can do so via avianca.com, mobile app, and travel agencies.
The flights will connect for the first time, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri with El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia.
The new service will be offering over 700 seats per week between Bogotá and Georgetown with two weekly flights. The release said that the service features a flexible commercial offer focused on personalization, allowing customers to fly the way they prefer, paying only for the services they choose.
“We are very happy to announce our arrival in Guyana with high expectations for Georgetown. With this new route, we continue to provide a convenient and efficient service for our customers, supported by one of the largest route networks in the Americas, offering even more access and connectivity to people in the region,” said David Alemán, Avianca’s Sales Director for Colombia and South America.
A release yesterday from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) said that this marks a significant milestone for Guyana’s aviation industry, bolstering ties with Colombia and unlocking tourism, trade, and cultural exchange opportunities.
“This direct service is more than just a faster connection. It’s a game-changer for Guyana’s international air connectivity, providing direct access to South America. The addition of Avianca brings the number of new airlines serving Guyana since 2020 to seven … with access to five … new destinations. This expansion is expected to attract more visitors to Guyana’s beautiful landscapes and rich culture, facilitate smoother trade between Guyana and Colombia and potentially other South American countries, and pave the way for stronger cultural connections between Guyana and the region”, the CJIAC release said.
Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, said, “As the Government continues to invest in modernizing the country’s aviation infrastructure and forge partnerships with renowned global airlines, Avianca’s entry into the local market will significantly boost interest in our country’s unique offerings.”
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond added: “It will also significantly boost our local tourism industry, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses. This positive development will further enhance Guyana’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.”
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill stated: “We are spending heavily on infrastructure improvements to make Guyana an even more appealing destination for investors and airlines. Our upgraded airport and related infrastructure will be critical in increasing our appeal for international air connectivity.”
Avianca’s flights will significantly expand Guyana’s seat availability. So far this year, Guyana has added an additional 200,000 airline seats and 125,000 more passenger movements, the CJIAC release said.