Guyana has secured an important position in the international aviation community following its appointment to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Transport Regulation Panel (ATRP), marking another significant step in the country’s growing influence in global air transport.
The appointment of Dr Saheed Suleman, which took effect on July 28, 2026, reflects Guyana’s growing participation in international aviation affairs and its commitment to shaping air transport policies. The ATRP comprises qualified technical specialists who provide expertise to ICAO in developing, revising, and enhancing policies governing the economic and legal regulation of international air transport.
Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, described the appointment as an important achievement for Guyana’s aviation sector.
“Guyana’s appointment to the ATRP is another step in the right direction. Our request to join this Panel dates back to 2019, and the ICAO ATRP now considers it appropriate to appoint us. This is therefore a pivotal opportunity for us to make a greater contribution to global air transport regulation. In this role, Guyana can advocate for policies and help develop innovative, collaborative solutions that strengthen connectivity and aviation development worldwide,” Field said.
Dr. Saheed Sulaman, Deputy Director General of the GCAA, will represent Guyana at the ATRP. Dr. Sulaman brings extensive regional and international aviation experience to the role, having served on the CARICOM Technical Negotiating Team on Air Services and chaired the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) Special Committee on Transport. He also serves as an ICAO Global Ambassador.
With Dr Sulaman’s appointment, Guyana is expected to play a meaningful role in discussions on the future of international air transport regulation. The country’s participation offers an opportunity to share its experience and perspectives while supporting initiatives to strengthen aviation connectivity and development.
The appointment also supports President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s broader aviation vision, whose 10-Pillar National Aviation Policy seeks to establish Guyana as a leading regional aviation hub while improving air connectivity across the region.
Guyana’s representation on the ICAO ATRP is therefore expected to complement the country’s ongoing efforts to expand its aviation sector and to strengthen its connections with regional and international markets.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, said the achievement reflects the Government’s continued efforts to advance the aviation industry.
“These accomplishments are the sum and impact of the hard work of the Government and of what we are doing. The achievements in development within Guyana’s aviation sector are outstanding; across the entire aviation ecosystem, there is growth. Our representation at the regional and global levels is not accidental but the result of diligent, targeted effort, vision and leadership. In this regard, we are relentless in our pursuits,” Indar said.
Guyana’s appointment to the ATRP adds to the country’s growing presence in regional and international aviation. It also demonstrates the Government’s continued focus on strengthening Guyana’s aviation capabilities, expanding connectivity and ensuring Guyana has a voice in discussions shaping the future of international air transport.
The development marks another milestone for Guyana’s aviation sector and reinforces the country’s commitment to playing a constructive role in advancing global aviation regulation and connectivity.