Vibrant local aviation industry could help tourism sector – Hughes

HelicopterGeorgetown:  Air Services Limited (ASL) in celebration of their 50th anniversary Saturday launched a flagship rebranded helicopter at the Ogle International Airport. The company promises to give local and overseas Guyanese an unforgettable experience for Guyana’s 50th Independence celebrations.

National Air Transport Association (NATA) president Annette Arjoon-Martins, speaking at the unveiling ceremony said that, ASL is proud to be a part of the (Guyana’s Independence) Golden Jubilee celebrations and is committed to the development of the tourism industry.”

The helicopter is designed with Guyana’s flag and the Golden Jubilee logo. “It will be available during the Jubilee celebrations for tours to local resorts, Kaieteur Falls and aerial tours at GUYEXPO,” Arjoon-Martins explained.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes who also has ministerial responsibility for the tourism sector, applauded ASL for its initiative and for being a part of the 50th jubilee celebration. She praised young people for their talent in creating exciting technologies and saluted the young man did the artwork on the helicopter.

Minister Hughes explained that a vibrant local aviation industry will begin to develop the tourism sector in beautiful Guyana. “Guyana has a unique advantage with the beauty given but, the drawback is that accessibility is hindered since it is impossible to experience Guyana’s true beauty with vehicles” Hughes stated.

In addition, Arjoon-Martins gave a brief history of ASL and its capacity to support Guyana’s tourism industry. “Fifty years ago one of Guyana’s aviation pioneers purchased a small Darter Commander aircraft and built an airstrip to access his logging concession. Fifty years later, that humble one-aircraft operation has grown into ASL,” the NATA president said. ASL has a fleet of 25 aircraft and three helicopters which makes ASL the largest operator at Ogle Airport.

Arjoon-Martins also pointed out that ASL has progressed from a male dominated industry to an all-inclusive one with over 50 female employees, including Lucy Golas the first female pilot in Guyana.

According to Arjune-Martins, the growth of ASL was a direct result of a pioneering spirit, extremely hard work, a lot of sweat and sometimes even tears. “It took a very long time but like the mighty jaguar which adorns our jubilee logo, our endurance and strength got us to where we are fifty years later,” said Martins.

The 50th Jubilee Independence celebration is touted to be one of the biggest celebrations  in Guyana and ASL is offering tours to the Kaieteur Falls at the reduced price of US$130.00.

Some of the activities scheduled for the 50th Jubilee Independence include, a fine art festival, creative writing competition, short play competition, national theatre festival, National museum day, boat cruise, GUYEXPO, float parades among others.