Latest update January 10th, 2026 6:11 PM
Roraima Airways announces 7% reduction in airfares to rehabilitated airstrips
(Kaieteur News) – Local aviation operator, Roraima Airways on Friday announced an immediate 7% reduction in airfares to all recently rehabilitated hinterland airstrips.
Roraima in a statement said, “This decisive action follows President Irfaan Ali’s national call for the aviation sector to support hinterland communities by reducing the cost of air travel, alongside Government-led investments to modernize and rehabilitate hinterland airstrips.”
On Monday, while commissioning the newly upgraded Paramakatoi Airstrip in Region Eight, President Ali disclosed that operators had complained of the conditions of hinterland airstrips and the cost for maintenance for their raise in airfares. He added that with the new and improved runways, operators would consider lowering their prices which can benefit the residents.
Director of Aviation of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr.
According to Roraima, over recent years, the Government has undertaken a major aviation infrastructure programme, including the rehabilitation and modernization of airstrips across Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.
They noted there are an additional 11 airstrips scheduled for completion in the near future, and that these upgrades, together with the introduction of runway lighting systems and automated weather reporting, represent the most significant single advancement in aviation safety ever undertaken in the country.
“As an airline that has served Guyana for over 30 years, including the execution of thousands of medical evacuation missions by day and night, Roraima Airways has long advocated for safer, more resilient aviation infrastructure,” the company said.
Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr., Director of Aviation in the statement said that when public investment improves safety and reliability, it is their responsibility to translate those gains into real benefits for the people.
“We heard the President’s call clearly. The Government has made a serious investment in safety and infrastructure, and we believe the private sector has a responsibility to respond with equally serious action. The improved condition of these airstrips allows us to reduce operational costs, and we are passing those savings directly to the people who depend on air transport,” he added.
The President had publicly signalled a target of a 15% reduction in hinterland airfares. Roraima Airways said it acknowledged that ambition and reaffirmed its commitment to continue working toward further reductions as infrastructure, efficiencies, and operational conditions continue to improve.
“This 7% reduction is our concrete sustainable first step,” Capt. Gouveia said noting that “We are committed to continuing this journey, responsibly, transparently, and in partnership with the Government, so that safer runways ultimately translate into more affordable access for hinterland communities.”
Additionally, the company explained that following several weeks of detailed operational and cost analysis, Roraima Airways confirmed that the improved runway conditions materially reduce aircraft wear, maintenance exposure, and operational risk. They added that these efficiencies have enabled the airline to immediately implement a 7% fare reduction to all rehabilitated airstrips, without exception.
“Importantly, Roraima Airways confirmed that this same reduction will be automatically applied to every newly rehabilitated or newly constructed hinterland airstrip as they come online, ensuring a consistent, transparent, and nationwide pricing approach,” the statement said.
Kaieteur News had reported that following the President’s call after commissioning two hinterland airstrips, one at Paramakatoi and at Aishalton, local flight operator Jags Aviation announced on Thursday that it has agreed to lower its prices for flights to these two locations.
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