Travel between Georgetown and Lethem has become more affordable and accessible, with BK International, in collaboration with JAGS Aviation, introducing a scheduled charter service offering fares more than 10 per cent below the market rate.
The initiative responds to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s continued call for airlines to reduce airfares and make travel more affordable for Guyanese, particularly those travelling to and from the hinterland.
In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday, JAGS Aviation Reservations Manager Natasha Smith said the reduction is expected to deliver significant benefits to residents of hinterland communities.
“It not only opens up cheaper travel options for persons that live in Lethem to travel to Georgetown and back”, Smith said.
She explained that for anything that the public passengers may need, from access to medical services to just getting other supplies, it makes travel easier.
She also noted that the company is currently reviewing its pricing structure to determine how fares can be reduced further.
According to Smith, there are plans to eventually make stops in other communities in Regions Nine and Eight, while exploring international connections to destinations including Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela.
“We’re even offering cargo fares less than the market as well so that they can bring more items to and from Lethem and Georgetown. And it opens up the tourism market as well,” Smith explained.
For businesses and the growing tourism sector in Region Nine, the additional connectivity could also help facilitate the movement of people and support greater economic activity.