Concerns grow over Domestic Airways safety record, regulatory status

Jun 01, 2026 News

…as company suffers fifth plane crash

(Kaieteur News) – Concerns are deepening regarding the regulatory status and operational safety of Domestic Airways, a private aviation company owned by Orlando Charles.

Following an incident on Sunday—reportedly the fifth such occurrence involving the company’s operations, industry observers are demanding urgent clarity from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The recent incident has reignited a long-standing controversy surrounding how the company is permitted to conduct commercial operations within Guyana. Central to the skepticism are four key areas: the absence of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the status of its aircraft registration, the lack of operational manuals, and the company’s overall compliance with national aviation safety standards.

Regulatory Ambiguity

Kaieteur News was told that an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is the foundational document required for any entity intending to transport passengers or cargo for commercial gain. Industry standards, reflected in the requirements set by the GCAA, mandate that any commercial operator must undergo rigorous certification to demonstrate professional competence, safe operating systems, and financial viability (Dempsey, n.d.).

Critics are questioning how Domestic Airways have allegedly bypassed this essential safety requirement while continuously earning revenue through commercial flight services. Under international standards, to which Guyana is a signatory, any aircraft utilized for commercial air transport must satisfy stringent airworthiness certifications and be registered in the host country to ensure oversight and traceability (Dempsey, n.d.). There are persistent reports that a significant portion of the company’s fleet continues to operate without local commercial registration, raising questions about the legal basis for these revenue-generating flights.

Missing Manuals and Oversight

Safety protocols for commercial aviation in Guyana extend beyond the flight deck. Operators are generally required to maintain specific documentation, including an “away-from-base” or “shuttle” manual, which outlines standard operating procedures for flights conducted outside the primary base of operations. These manuals are critical for managing risk, refueling, and emergency responses in remote locations.

The failure to produce or adhere to such documentation is a significant red flag. Without these, it remains unclear how the GCAA can effectively monitor the company’s compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations.

A Pattern of Incidents

Sunday’s crash marks the fifth reported incident involving Domestic Airways in recent years. For many in the aviation community, this pattern suggests systemic issues rather than isolated pilot or mechanical errors.

As the GCAA prepares its investigation into the most recent occurrence, local operators are asking:

How is the company allowed to earn revenue commercially without an active AOC?

What measures are being taken to ensure all aircraft in the fleet meet the national standards for commercial registration?

Why is an operator allowed to fly without the mandatory “shuttle” or “away-from-base” manuals?

One aviator said, the GCAA, as the guardian of aviation safety in Guyana must address these lapses. “Failure to provide transparency on these issues could jeopardise the integrity of Guyana’s aviation sector and the safety of those who rely on it for transport,” the aviator said.

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Airways safety, Domestic Airways safety record, GCAA, Guyana Civil Aviation

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