Guyana and France have renewed their aviation cooperation after signing a new Air Services Agreement that will create opportunities for expanded connectivity and deeper bilateral engagement.

The new pact establishes a framework for greater cooperation in air services. It opens opportunities for connectivity, commercial activity, and collaboration between Guyana and French partners.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, and French Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Olivier Plançon, inked the document on the sidelines of the Global Aviation Safety Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal on Wednesday.

Minister Indar highlighted the potential for expanded regional air connectivity, including a proposed service to the capital of French Guiana, Cayenne, by Trans-Guyana Airways.

“We are happy about this signing. It sends a signal that Guyana is open for business. With this agreement, it opens the door for more bilateral working agreements with France,” the minister stated.

He said the Cabinet has already approved the airline’s application. The new agreement will now provide the framework needed to operationalise the service.

Minister Indar described the ceremony as historic, noting that the last agreement between the two states was signed in 1976, some 50 years ago.

Beyond passenger connectivity, the agreement is also attracting interest from major French aviation and technology companies.

Guyana is also looking to build on the milestone through additional agreements and areas of cooperation to strengthen and deepen relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Plançon said the agreement establishes the foundation needed for companies from both countries to operate under a clear framework.

“This agreement we signed today was a necessary condition for our companies- Guyanese companies, French companies, air companies- to operate under good conditions. So, based on this solid agreement, we will now be able to expand our relations and also our relations in the field of civil aviation.”

The signing also comes as Guyana continues to expand its aviation sector and attract greater international interest in its connectivity, infrastructure and investment opportunities.