Sod turned for new state-of-the-art civil aviation headquarters

President Donald Ramotar on Saturday underscored the importance of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in ensuring safety in the aviation sector.
He expressed these sentiments during a sod-turning ceremony for the construction of a new state-of-the-art building for the GCAA at Ogle. The GCAA headquarters, which will cost an estimated Gy$200 million, will be erected several metres from the Ogle airport.

“In aviation today, safety is a very important aspect; we cannot be overcautious in this area, and in protecting lives and having a reputation of having a safe aviation industry… that is where the civil aviation has a central role to play.”
According to the president, the new infrastructure will build a worldwide reputation for Guyana.
GCAA Director General Zulfikar Mohamed said the first tranche to the tune of Gy$100 million for the construction of the facility, is included in the 2013 National Budget under the Public Works Ministry.
Mohammed further expressed the hope of securing another Gy$100 million in 2014 to aid in the completion of the project. Construction on the building is anticipated to start later this year and conclude next year.
Certification
Meanwhile, in celebration of Ogle International Airport’s certification as a regional class carrier last week, Trans Guyana Airways in collaboration with Cessna Aircraft Company, through its Caribbean distributor, Tropical Aviation Distributors, on Saturday brought in a Cessna Citation XLS+ corporate jet.
A news conference was held by Trans Guyana Airways and Tropical Aviation Distributors at the Trans Guyana hangar to introduce the Citation XLS+. The aircraft has the capacity to accommodate a maximum of nine passengers, has individual entertainment sets, in-flight internet access, a space phone, and cruises at a speed of 815 kilometres per hour. Though this particular model is not for sale in Guyana, one can purchase a smaller, entry-level, contemporary jet for under US$2 million or a stand-up cabin, seven-to-eight passenger jet in the US$4 million range.  The Cessna Citation XLS+ also has a stand-up cabin.
Trans Guyana Airways will be carrying out short demonstration flights for persons by invitation. The executive jet will also be on public display during the Ogle International Airport exhibition in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the local aviation sector.