(Kaieteur News) – Trans Guyana Airways (TGA) is preparing to launch direct flights between Georgetown and Cayenne, French Guiana, following the signing of a new Guyana-France Air Services Agreement that replaces a bilateral framework dating back to 1976.
The modernised agreement was signed in Georgetown on 30th September by Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar and France’s Ambassador to Guyana, Olivier Plançon.
According to TGA, the agreement has opened a new commercial opportunity for the local private-sector airline, which has been designated by Guyana to operate scheduled passenger and cargo services between Guyana and French Guiana.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar and Olivier Boulnois, Director for Air Services – France.
TGA said it has already begun the administrative and regulatory preparations required to launch the service and intends to operate at least two weekly nonstop flights between Georgetown and Cayenne, subject to the necessary approvals.
The airline said the approximately one-hour-and-15-minute flight would dramatically reduce the travel time between the two destinations, with existing surface connections sometimes taking as long as 24 hours.
Beyond reducing travel time, TGA said the new air link could strengthen tourism, business travel, investment and trade between Guyana and French Guiana and improve movement of people and goods across the Guiana Shield.
The airline also pointed to potential onward connections through carriers operating from French Guiana, including Air France, which could provide Guyanese travellers with greater access to the French Caribbean, Europe and other international markets.
TGA said the agreement also establishes opportunities for airline cooperation, including code-sharing and other commercial marketing arrangements.
The agreement was signed during the recently concluded ICAO/EASA 3rd Global RSOO/RAIO Forum for Aviation Safety, which Guyana hosted.
TGA said the development demonstrates how international aviation diplomacy and government policy can translate into tangible opportunities for local businesses and the wider economy.
The airline commended the Government and Minister Indar for creating what it described as an enabling environment for Guyanese private enterprise to expand internationally.
TGA said it now looks forward to transforming the agreement into an operating “air bridge” between Georgetown and Cayenne, bringing Guyana and French Guiana closer and opening new opportunities for travellers and businesses.
Last week at the signing of the agreement the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority said the renegotiation process began at the technical level during the International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in 2025, and culminated in the finalised agreement in July 2026.
“This progressive agreement introduces comprehensive and contemporary provisions covering a range of areas, including the granting of operational rights, airline designations and authorisations, application of laws and regulations, commercial opportunities, cooperative marketing, tariffs, aviation safety and security, user charges, and environmental considerations,” the Aviation Authority said.
It also noted that the renewed partnership underscores the shared vision of Guyana and France to advance mutual connectivity, economic development, and people-to-people ties through modern, secure, and sustainable air transport links.
Moreover, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority – Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, A.A. signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Olivier Boulnois, Director for Air Services – France.
The MoU accompanies the new Air Services Agreement, paving the way for airlines to benefit from the provisions immediately.
Notably, while there are currently no direct flights between Guyana and France, the renewed agreement paves the way for airlines to access new markets, enhance competitive air transport services, and stimulate increased trade and economic growth between the two countries.
Key dignitaries witnessing the signing included senior officials from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation, France—Jean-Yves Pieri, Deputy Director; Louis Montassier, Expert – Bilateral Air Services Agreements; and Loic Lespagnol, Traffic Rights Manager, Air France-KLM. Guyana’s delegation featured the Parliamentary Secretary – Ms. Thandi McAlister; the Deputy Director General of the GCAA – Dr. Saheed Sulaman; and the Director General for the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation – Mr. Alfonso De Armas.
Guyana and France established diplomatic relations on 22nd June, 1967.
Source: Kaieteur News
