A new Air Services Agreement between Guyana and France is opening the way for greater air connectivity between Guyana and Cayenne, with a proposed service by Trans-Guyana Airways now positioned to move forward.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, by Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar and French Ambassador to Guyana and CARICOM Olivier Plançon, marking the renewal of an aviation framework between the two countries after 50 years.
“Today, after 50 years, we have signed an agreement with the state of France and the state of Guyana. The last time an agreement was signed was in 1976,” the minister said.
For Guyanese travellers, one of the most immediate opportunities created by the agreement is a potential direct connection to Cayenne, French Guiana.
Minister Indar said Trans-Guyana Airways, a Guyanese-owned and operated airline, had already applied to operate the Cayenne route, with Cabinet approval granted.
“Cabinet has approved that, but it could not have been operationalised if this agreement is not in place, which is like an open skies agreement. Now, we have it in place,” he said.
The proposed connection could significantly reduce the time and complexity currently involved in travelling from Guyana to Cayenne.
Minister Indar noted that the journey can currently take close to a full day or longer, requiring travellers to transit through Suriname and use multiple modes of transportation before reaching French Guiana.
The agreement has the potential to establish a much more direct link between Guyana and Cayenne, while creating opportunities for increased movement of people, tourism, trade and business between the neighbouring territories.
The minister also pointed to the presence of major French aviation and technology companies at the global aviation safety conference in Guyana, including Airbus and Air France, as an indication of the broader opportunities emerging from strengthened aviation cooperation.
He said the agreement sends an important signal about Guyana’s growing openness to international business and investment.
“We are happy about this signing. It sends a signal that Guyana is open for business. And with this agreement, it opens the door for more bilateral working agreements with France,” he noted.
The renewed aviation framework is expected to provide a stronger foundation for Guyana-France cooperation in civil aviation, while the proposed Cayenne connection could become a practical first step in expanding direct air links between Guyana and French Guiana.
Trans-Guyana Airways has since begun preparations for at least two weekly nonstop flights between Georgetown and Cayenne, subject to the remaining administrative and regulatory processes.
For Guyana, the development comes as the country continues to expand its aviation network and pursue new international connections, with improved air access positioned to support tourism, commerce, investment and closer regional integration.