The Governments of Guyana and Saudi Arabia today signed an Air Services Agreement to promote and facilitate the expansion of international air services opportunities between the two countries.
The Agreement was signed today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser and Guyana Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.
During remarks, Minister Edghill said the agreement paces the way for competitive air transport services between the two countries.
“Presently there is no direct flight between Guyana and Saudi Arabia, however, this Agreement puts in place the legal framework that open market access for airlines to operate and enhance competitive air transport services, trade, and economic growth between the two countries,” Edghill was quoted as saying.
The Agreement addresses matters pertaining to Grant of Rights; Designation and Revocation; User Charges; Recognition of Certificates and Licences; Tariffs; Commercial Opportunities; Fair Competition, and Environmental Protection, among other matters.
The carriers from United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have been playing a significant role in global connectivity for passengers and cargo over the last two decades. Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia is the third largest airline in the Middle East in terms of revenue, behind Emirates and Qatar Airways. The airline operates international flights to over 94 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
Against this backdrop, Mr. Edghill said he hopes that the agreement which was signed today will see the airlines plying the Guyana, Caribbean and other routes in the region.
“Through the signature of the Guyana-Saudi Arabia Air Services Agreement, we anticipate that it will serve as impetus for Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia to explore air services t0 Guyana, Latin America, and the Caribbean since the airline does not have a presence in this region of the world,” the Public Works Minister said.
The Agreement complements the more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has established with the other ICAO States for the development of the air link among States.
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