Since U.S, airline JetBlue, announced it will increase its route map to include Georgetown, Guyana, travelers have scrambled to book tickets to travel on the new A321neo plane that will begin non-stop service from New York’s JFK to Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO), on April 2, 2020.
According to several reports, seats are already available for purchase via www.jetbl
The Guyana service introduces a diverse and underserved destination to the JetBlue route map which will benefit both leisure travelers, as well as those visiting friends and relatives, said Andre Lucco, JetBlue, director of route planning.
Lusso explained that just as the airline has done in its South American markets in Columbia, Ecuador and Peru, “we’re introducing a new, low fare high-quality choice to travelers to Guyana.”
The daily schedule flights between New York (JFK) and Georgetown (GEO) Flight #1965 will depart JFK, at 11:55 pm and arrive at 5:38 am.
The GEO – JFK Flight #1966 will depart at 7:20 am and arrive at 1:09 pm.
Nohar Singh, chief executive officer / owner of the Queens travel agency, TravelSpan, applauded JetBlue’s upcoming new non-stop service to Georgetown, Guyana, noting that it would be a welcoming addition to the market.
“After losing a few charter services, and Dynamic Airways over the years and the recent cancellations of Fly Jamaica operations, the Guyana market has been in need of a low-cost carrier, and with over 25 years of service and knowledge of Guyana, TravelSpan customers and Guyana will benefit greatly from its relationship with JetBlue, and the opportunity for a third choice of carrier,” said Singh.
He indicated that with more seats, “we believe, fares will drop, which is what Guyanese travelers have requested TravelSpan bring to the table.”
He said with trained travel professionals and 10 office locations in the US, Guyana and Trinidad, plus online bookings at Trave
However, another travel agent, who wishes to remain anonymous, said passengers were ecstatic to learn about the new service, but were dissatisfied when they learned that they would have to pay for both pieces of checked luggage.
According to the agent, the airline, despite announcing that it will begin service, has not yet received full permission from the government of Guyana to fly the route.
As such, seats are only being sold to travel in April 2020. Additionally, fares have already increased to US$729.00, competing with Caribbean Airlines, the only airline with the most scheduled flights, that Guyanese accuse of price gouging.
A wide cross-section of the Guyanese community has called for the return of the national airline — Guyana Airways, now that Guyana is on the cusp of riches with its oil reserves.
“The government of Guyana is delighted to welcome the services of JetBlue to Guyana,” according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.
Patterson said the introduction of this immensely popular low-cost carrier would see lower ticket prices to Georgetown and provide travelers with an opportunity to fly on an airline of choice to their favorite destination.
“This agreement with JetBlue is timely and comes on the heels of continued and sustainable growth in several sectors of our economy, including, service, tourism, mining, and oil and gas,” said Patterson.
Brian T. Muller, director of the Guyana Tourism Authority expressed excitement at JetBlue’s new non-stop services from JFK to Georgetown, Guyana, noting that 2019 has been a year for Guyana, “winning five international awards
Increased route options to Europe, new community-led and owned tourism product development.”
“There is increased stakeholder collaboration and a growing demand in our target markets and now JetBlue, improving connectivity with one of our core markets – North America, it’s all good for Guyana,” he said.
