Guyana and France renew air services agreement
Kaieteur News – The Government of Guyana and the French Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced bilateral cooperation by signing and renewing the Air Services Agreement.
In a statement today, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) called the move a significant milestone in aviation relations between the two nations.
Olivier Boulnois, Director for Air Services – France.
The agreement was first established in 1976 and over the years has been thoroughly updated to reflect modern international standards and foster new opportunities in air transport.
The signing ceremony was officiated by Deodat Indar, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, and His Excellency Olivier Plancon, Ambassador of the French Republic to Guyana.
According to the GCAA, the renegotiation process began at the technical level during the International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in 2025, and culminated in the finalised agreement in July 2026.
“This progressive agreement introduces comprehensive and contemporary provisions covering a range of areas, including the granting of operational rights, airline designations and authorisations, application of laws and regulations, commercial opportunities, cooperative marketing, tariffs, aviation safety and security, user charges, and environmental considerations,” the Aviation Authority said.
It also noted that the renewed partnership underscores the shared vision of Guyana and France to advance mutual connectivity, economic development, and people-to-people ties through modern, secure, and sustainable air transport links.
Moreover, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority – Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, A.A. signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Olivier Boulnois, Director for Air Services – France.
The MoU accompanies the new Air Services Agreement, paving the way for airlines to benefit from the provisions immediately.
Notably, while there are currently no direct flights between Guyana and France, the renewed agreement paves the way for airlines to access new markets, enhance competitive air transport services, and stimulate increased trade and economic growth between the two countries.
Key dignitaries witnessing the signing included senior officials from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation, France—Jean-Yves Pieri, Deputy Director; Louis Montassier, Expert – Bilateral Air Services Agreements; and Loic Lespagnol, Traffic Rights Manager, Air France-KLM. Guyana’s delegation featured the Parliamentary Secretary – Ms Thandi McAlister; the Deputy Director General of the GCAA – Dr Saheed Sulaman; and the Director General for the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation – Mr Alfonso De Armas.
Guyana and France established diplomatic relations on June 22, 1967.
Source: Kaieteur News
