Guyana Airways

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Guyana Airways
Boeing 707-323B, Guyana Airways AN0195072.jpg
IATA ICAO Callsign
GY GYA Guyair
Founded1939 as British Guiana Airways
Ceased operations2001
HubsCheddi Jagan International Airport
Fleet size8
Destinations16
HeadquartersGeorgetown, Guyana

Guyana Airways was the national airline of Guyana from 1939 to 2001. During this period, it operated services to destinations in the Caribbean, the United States and Canada. It was declared insolvent in 2001.[1]

At one point the airline's fleet included Russian-made Tupolev as well as Boeing jets. At the time of the insolvency of the airline, the fleet consisted of Boeing 757-200 and Airbus A300B4-622R jetliners.

History[]

Grumman Goose of British Guiana Airways circa 1955. Piarco Airport, Trinidad.

Guyana Airways was an important link for the Guyanese community. It provided a way into and out of the country. Company was founded by Art J Williams and Harry Wendt in 1939 as British Guiana Airways using Ireland flying boats. Although it was a private venture, the colonial government provided subsidies. In the 1940s, Grumman Goose were operated. In July 1955, the colonial government bought BGA. At this time, BWIA provided management assistance. In September 1963, the name was shortened to Guyana Airways. In May 1966, Guyana became an independent nation.[2] The airline leased all of its aircraft, which resulted in many different aircraft types being flown during the airline's existence. The airline was headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana. After the airline went bankrupt in 2001, its successor, Guyana Air 2000 maintained a short-lived operation until 2003 when it also filed for insolvency.[3]

International destinations in 1981[]

According to the April 26, 1981 Guyana Airways international service timetable, the airline was operating Boeing 737-200 jet flights between Georgetown Timehri Airport (GEO, now Cheddi Jagan International Airport) and the following international destinations:[4]

International and domestic destinations in 1983[]

According to the July 1, 1983 edition of the Official Airline Guide (OAG), Guyana Airways was serving the following international and domestic destinations from Georgetown (GEO):[5]

International destinations served with Boeing 707 jetliners:

  • Barbados (BGI)
  • Miami (MIA)
  • New York City - John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
  • Paramaribo (PBM)
  • Port of Spain (POS)
  • Boa Vista (BVB)

Domestic destinations in Guyana served with de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter and Hawker Siddeley HS 748 turboprop aircraft:

  • Annai
  • Bartica
  • Bemichi
  • Ekereku
  • Imbaimadai
  • Kamarang
  • Kurupung
  • Lethem
  • Mabaruma
  • Mahdia
  • Matthews Ridge

Fleet[]

Guyana Airways operated the following aircraft types during its existence.[6]

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. ^ Marshall, Svetlana (20 January 2016). "National airline still on the cards". Guyana Chronicle. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  2. ^ Noel, Melissa (27 May 2016). "Guyana Jubilee: Celebrating 50 Years of Independence". NBC News. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  3. ^ "New air carrier expected by year end". Guyana Chronicle. 20 August 2010. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  4. ^ http://www.timetableimages.com, April 26, 1981 Guyana Airways timetable
  5. ^ http://www.departedflights.com, July 1, 1983 Official Airline Guide (OAG), Georgetown, Guyana flight schedules
  6. ^ https://www.airliners.net, photos of Guyana Airways and Guyana Air 2000 aircraft
  7. ^ https://www.airliners.net, photos of Guyana Airways/TAROM Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft

External links[]

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