CJIA is a cornerstone of Guyana's economic strategy, serving as a vital enabler for economic diversification, particularly through tourism and facilitating global trade and investment. President Ali's vision for a unified approach to air service development was implemented in 2020, with the goal of centralizing airline engagement through a dedicated office. Our department fosters close collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the Guyana Revenue Authority. This coordinated effort streamlines the process for airlines, addresses the requirements of each authority and minimizes bureaucratic complexities.

This innovative approach has proven highly effective and has resulted in the successful attraction of new carriers such as KLM, British Airways, Avianca, Air Transat, JetBlue and United Airlines, alongside a significant increase in frequencies for established airlines. This enhanced connectivity directly supports Guyana's tourism growth targets and bolsters its position as an emerging regional hub. Concurrently, the cargo sector has experienced a remarkable surge in both imports and exports, primarily attributed to robust activity in the oil and gas, agriculture and mining sectors. This boost has facilitated the efficient distribution of essential goods, which is critical for national development.

We are significantly enhancing our passenger experience with the upcoming introduction of 20 new commercial concessions. These will include duty-free outlets, a dedicated Guyana shop, diverse restaurants and bars, jewelry stores, a currency exchange, car-rental desks and a children's play area. A 150-room Marriott hotel is scheduled to open adjacent to us in August 2025, further enhancing our hospitality offerings. We have also extended the parking apron to accommodate code D-E aircraft.

On the technology front, we have implemented online embarkation and disembarkation forms, self-check kiosks, electronic boarding gates and a comprehensive suite of CCTV and license plate recognition cameras. We are currently pursuing a new car parking system and baggage drop solutions for self-check-in passengers. We will actively collaborate with our stakeholders to deploy electric ground support equipment and implement intelligent building management systems throughout the new terminal. These upgrades are designed to improve passenger processing efficiency and significantly bolster support services.

These comprehensive projects underscore our commitment to maintaining CJIA as a scalable, efficient and highly competitive international airport. Moving forward, we are strategically addressing the growing demand by finalizing a contract for a second terminal. This crucial expansion will more than double our current processing capacity and prepare us for the anticipated growth in traffic.

To effectively support the significant rise in cargo volumes, we have successfully attracted new cargo freighters, including LATAM Cargo, and significantly increased the import and export capacities of our existing passenger airlines. This expansion is crucial in meeting current demand and fostering continued growth. We are actively collaborating with private investors and government agencies to develop state-of-the-art cargo handling, cold chain facilities and agricultural packaging facilities to support Guyana’s vital sectors, including agriculture and fishing. We aim to ensure the timely and efficient export of perishables and high-value items, including pharmaceuticals and specialty crops. These enhanced capabilities will not only bolster Guyana's trade but also reinforce our position as a vital logistics hub in the region.

Our strategic initiatives have driven a remarkable expansion in seat capacity, which has grown by 350%, from 340,000 in 2020 to 1.5 million today. We have successfully launched new transatlantic services with KLM, British Airways and Air Transat, alongside expanding our North American network through partnerships with United Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue. Notably, this expansion includes a direct Houston service, strategically designed to cater to the specific needs of the oil and gas sector.

We are currently in advanced negotiations with Brazilian carriers to establish critical flight connections to northern Brazil. The successful establishment of these routes is poised to substantially strengthen trade and tourism linkages throughout our key regional and international markets.

Our commitment to aviation safety and security is underscored by our recent International Civil Aviation Organization audit, where Guyana exceeded the global average, achieving a 66% compliance rate. This strong performance is further reinforced by successful audits from the USA’s Transportation Security Administration concerning the security protocols for USA-bound flights. To ensure continuous improvement and maintain the highest standards, we are deploying additional advanced body and vehicle scanners, explosive trace detectors and high-resolution X-ray machines. These cutting-edge technologies – alongside our highly trained personnel and advanced access control systems – are integral to our goal to uphold rigorous safety and security measures throughout the airport.

CJIA is committed to becoming a regional leader in both digital innovation and environmental sustainability by 2030. Our roadmap includes the installation of a 3-MW solar farm to power all airport operations and facilities for stakeholders. Furthermore, we will comprehensively review and transform our waste management practices to incorporate circular economy principles. This ambitious strategy is directly aligned with Guyana's national low-carbon, tech-driven economic development plan.

Our strategic focus for tourism development centers on eco-adventure and cultural tourism. We actively collaborate with the Guyana Tourism Authority, regional tourist boards and regional airports on this project. These partnerships enable us to develop and package comprehensive tours that showcase Guyana's pristine rainforests, extensive river networks and rich cultural heritage. These concerted efforts have been instrumental in expanding Guyana's global accessibility. We have successfully secured direct air services from key new markets in Europe and Latin America, including Amsterdam through KLM, the Dominican Republic through Sky High and Bogotá through Avianca.

A core component of our strategy is to create seamless, door-to-door itineraries for tourists. We ensure a convenient and immersive journey from their point of origin directly to Guyana's unique attractions. This integrated approach promotes Guyana as a premier eco-tourism destination and strengthens the overall tourism value chain. Our targeted marketing campaigns in Europe and North America emphasize Guyana's unparalleled wildlife – including its diverse flora and fauna – and thrilling adventure experiences.

Propelled by our phenomenal economic growth, Guyana is attracting substantial investment in key sectors such as hospitality, healthcare and medical tourism. Our extensive forest cover, which exceeds 85%, is driving a thriving eco-adventure tourism market. CJIA contributes to Guyana’s growth by operating as a unified, one-stop hub for airlines, regulatory bodies and investors. The streamlining of processes and removal of bureaucratic complexities directly facilitates increased air traffic and boosts tourism arrivals. Furthermore, it enhances the ease of doing business, thereby attracting more foreign direct investment into these vital sectors.

Underpinned by President Ali's ambitious national infrastructure agenda and our deep commitment to operational excellence, our objective is to establish CJIA as the Caribbean's leading aviation gateway. Our leadership will enhance Guyana’s capacity for trade and tourism, position the nation as a central nexus for regional connectivity and commerce, and proudly showcase our exceptional hospitality, breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage on the global stage.