President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday floated the idea of convincing the private sector to explore the leasing of aircraft to transport persons to and fr0m the United States (US) and Canada because existing carriers are charging exorbitant airfares.
“There are a number of opportunities now; a number of wet leases available… Why we don’t put our heads together- private sector- and come up with a solution; a home-grown solution to this issue; one that brings viability, sustainability and one that says clearly and specifically where the government can be of support,” he said.
Addressing the official opening of the more than US$100 million new wing of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, he invited the private sector to work with the government to explore how Guyanese can get cheaper international airfares. “Let’s put the ideas down otherwise we would not be able to build the sector in the way we want to build it,” Dr Ali said.
The President lamented that Guyana could not have a viable tourism sector if an economy plane ticket costs UDS$2,000 from Toronto to Guyana and a fluctuated air ticket price ranging from US$600 during off-peak US$2,000.