Cheddi Jagan International Airport
Encyclopedia
Cheddi Jagan International Airport , formerly Timehri International Airport, is the national airport of Guyana
. The airport is located on the right bank of the Demerara River
in the city of Timehri
, 41 kilometres (25.5 mi) south of Guyana's capital, Georgetown
.
obtained rights to locate military facilities in British Guiana as part of the Destroyers for Bases Agreement
with the United Kingdom
in 1941. On June 14, 1941, the first United States Army
forces arrived to survey land for a bomber airfield near Georgetown
.
Atkinson Field was built 28 miles (45 km) from Georgetown on 68 acres (27.5 ha) of land formerly known as Hyde Park
, on the Demerara River
. The forest was cleared and hills were levelled and a long concrete runway was constructed. On June 20, 1941 the airfield officially opened with the activation of a weather station. The station was named after Lieutenant Colonel Bert M. Atkinson, a United States Army Air Service
World War I
aviator. Colonel Atkinson was the commander of the 1st Pursuit Wing on the western front in 1918. Colonel Atkinson retired from the Army in 1922 after a distinguished career and died on April 27, 1937.
The mission of the station was the defense of the colony against Nazi U-Boat
s. The airfield was also major staging point for American aircraft crossing the Atlantic Ocean heading to the European Theatre on the South Atlantic transport route. Also aircraft sold to the British forces by the United States were flown to Atkinson where they were turned over and ferried to North Africa. With the discovery of bauxite
deposits in northeast Brazil
in 1943, the mission of the airfield was expanded to protect the coastline of northwest South America and prevent any submarine landings by Axis forces on the continent.
Assigned United States Army Air Forces
units to Atkinson field were the 430th Bombardment Squadron (9th Bombardment Group) from 4 November 1941 - 31 October 1942 flying anti-submarine sorties in Douglas B-18 bombers. The 430th was replaced by a detachment of the 35th Bombardment Squadron (25th Bombardment Group) from 1 November 1942 - 7 October 1943. After the detection of U-Boat activity was taken over by the United States Navy, the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron (344th Reconnaissance Group) was assigned to the airfield during 1944 and 1945 flying the F-10 photo-recon version of the B-25 Mitchell
bomber on various mapping missions.
At the end of the war, Atkinson Field was reduced in scope to a skeleton staff. The facility was opened for all air travel, including commercial air flights on October 1, 1946. The military airfield was redesignated Atkinson Air Force Base on March 26, 1948, by Department of the Air Force General Order Number 10. The base was ordered closed on 31 July 1949 due to budgetary cutbacks. The final military cadre was 3 officers and 25 enlisted men upon closure, and the base was officially turned over to British authorities on August 1.
A modern terminal building was built and opened on 15 March 1952. When the new building was ravaged by fire on 5 August 1959 the old terminal building was renovated and used again until the destroyed building was replaced.
The lease of the facility by the United States was formally terminated on 26 May 1966 (Guyana's Independence Day). Because the lease was terminated 74 years before its due end, a new agreement was arrived at giving certain specified rights to the United States in relation to the air base for the next 17 years.
In 1965 and 1968 additions were made to the airport facilities. On the 1 May 1969 the Atkinson Aerodrome was renamed the Timehri International Airport - "Timehri
" is a Carib
word for rock motifs located deep in the Guyana hinterland
that pre-date the arrival of Europeans in the New World. The airport featured murals employing Amerindian motifs by Guyanese painter Aubrey Williams
.
In March 1997, following the death of President Dr. Cheddi Jagan
, then-President Samuel Hinds
decided to rename the airport the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The proposition to rename the airport was tabled in the Parliament (National Assembly) by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Vibert De Souza, who noted that it would be a fitting tribute to a man who had spent his life committed to the betterment of Amerindian people and fighting for the freedom and unity of all Guyanese. A plaque bearing the new name was unveiled on May 21, 1997 by the Prime Minister, Janet Jagan
.
for a possible line of credit to fund massive modifications and upgrade of Guyana’s main port of entry, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Likely to cost millions of dollars, the project would see expansion of the airport area, and construction of a modern terminal and a four-lane access road to the airport from the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, according to inside sources. The new airport is also likely to include cold- storage facilities to accommodate exportation of more agricultural produce from Guyana. Designs for some of these works and other preparatory activities have reportedly started, while moves are afoot to identify the needed financial resources. The Guyana government plans to implement this major development step by step. Speaking at a recent forum at the International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, President Jagdeo told the gathering about plans to triple the size of the CJIA to include eight air bridges so that at least eight aircraft can land or take off at the same time. He also mentioned that the runaway would be extended and the airport’s general aesthetics improved, so the CJIA can be an attraction for both locals and tourists. He highlighted the establishment of a four-lane road to the airport to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic when the airport has been modified. This substantial investment, the head of state said, is to complement a string of other developmental projects currently taking place and some still in the pipelines for Guyana. Earlier in the year, this newspaper reported that, according to sources, the government was considering making Guyana a hub for international traffic, a move that would see CJIA facilitating larger aircraft and more air traffic. Currently, Piarco Airport in Port of Spain
, Trinidad
, is the closest international hub in the Caribbean
. Making Guyana an international hub would enable this country to earn a lot more from aircraft landings and other services offered by airports, while encouraging more visitors. Aviation sources have estimated that an airport development of the magnitude envisaged could cost Guyana between US$50 million and US$100 million. To date, the authorities have not yet finalised the cost of the project, but they have been identifying the sources of funding to execute the upgrade. The current airport upgrade plan includes expanding the existing runway to approximately 10,000 feet to accommodate larger aircraft. This longer runway would also require redesigning the existing terminal building to effectively process the increased number of passengers and cargo. With regard to extension of the terminal, an assessment is expected shortly to look at not only enlarging the existing building, but relocating the existing concessions and food courts, and access roadways for arrivals and departures. Already, the government has allocated Gy$178 million to start preparatory work on designing the extension of the CJIA airstrip by 3500 feet to accommodate Boeing 747-400
aircraft. The sum also covers designs for expansion of the arrival and departure lounges with attendant air bridges. The Boeing 747-400 aircraft is not only larger, but also heavier, and therefore requires longer runways. With seating for a maximum of 624 people, the 747-400 can fly nonstop for 7,670 nautical miles, or 14,200 kilometres, depending on the model. The CJIA runway is about 7,500 feet and usually accommodates landing of the Boeing 767
, which accommodates between 181 and 375 passengers. These and other comprehensive studies for the proposed multi-million-dollar project may take no less than three months to be undertaken, and would allow the government to make informed decisions on the airport’s development.
The Government of Guyana has announced that it is embarking on a major project to expand the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. To this end, Cabinet has approved a US$138M design and construction contract with China Harbour Engineering Company
(CHEC).
The project, which was first announced several months ago, is expected to include an extension of the runway to a total of 10,800 feet to accommodate large transatlantic aircrafts such as the Boeing 747, along with construction of a new terminal building, acquisition of eight boarding bridges, and installation of other state-of-the-art equipment such as elevators, escalators, and x-ray scanners using three-dimensional technology, along with flight information and security monitoring systems.
Once completed, the project would ensure that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is able to meet the needs of projected traffic for several years into the future, along with becoming a hub for regional and continental traffic.
The expanded facilities at the airport are also expected to generate a wide range of economic activities, and create business and employment opportunities for thousands of persons both in the construction and operation phases of the airport.
CHEC was established in 2005 following a merger between China Harbour Engineering Company Group (founded in 1980) and China Road and Bridge Corporation. It is one of the largest Chinese state-owned enterprises engaged in foreign trade. The company has branches in 20 countries and has conducted business activities in six continents.
CHEC is currently constructing a new terminal and runway in Sri Lanka
, having already undertaken works at the Macao International Airport and the Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong
.
In the region, CHEC has its head office in Jamaica
, where they are currently undertaking infrastructure development work to the tune of US$460M. They also have secured contracts to the tune of US$212M and US$40M for infrastructure works in Mexico
and the Bahamas respectively.
It is anticipated that the project will be funded by concessional financing secured from a Chinese financial institution. Construction will commence early next year, and is expected to take a total of 32 months. This project represents the latest installment in government’s ongoing efforts to transform and modernise the infrastructural landscape of the country, including a four-lane highway to Timehri, which is already under construction.
[Reg - 9Y-PBM] overan the runway end in rainy weather while landing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana and went through a chain-link perimeter fence.. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, broke into two just behind the first class area. There were fortunately no casualties. At least two passengers suffered broken legs and others suffered lacerations and other injuries. The majority of the injured were treated at the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital and then sent on to the Georgetown Public Hospital
. Caribbean Airlines confirmed 157 passengers and 6 crew members were on board the aircraft.
of 95 feet (29 m) above mean sea level. It has two asphalt
paved runway
s: 06/24 measuring 7448 by 148 ft (2,270.2 by 45.1 ) and 11/29 measuring 5002 by 148 ft (1,524.6 by 45.1 ).
The terminal currently has six ground level gates.
Guyana
Guyana , officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, previously the colony of British Guiana, is a sovereign state on the northern coast of South America that is culturally part of the Anglophone Caribbean. Guyana was a former colony of the Dutch and of the British...
. The airport is located on the right bank of the Demerara River
Demerara River
The Demerara River is a river in eastern Guyana that rises in the central rainforests of the country and flows to the north for 346 kilometres until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Georgetown, Guyana's largest seaport and capital, is situated on the east bank of the river's mouth. The Demerara's...
in the city of Timehri
Timehri
Timehri is a town in Guyana located 41 kilometers to the south of the nation's capital Georgetown. The name "Timehri" is an Amerindian word meaning "paintings and drawings on the rock"...
, 41 kilometres (25.5 mi) south of Guyana's capital, Georgetown
Georgetown, Guyana
Georgetown, estimated population 239,227 , is the capital and largest city of Guyana, located in the Demerara-Mahaica region. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean coast at the mouth of the Demerara River and it was nicknamed 'Garden City of the Caribbean.' Georgetown is located at . The city serves...
.
History
The United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
obtained rights to locate military facilities in British Guiana as part of the Destroyers for Bases Agreement
Destroyers for Bases Agreement
The Destroyers for Bases Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, September 2, 1940, transferred fifty mothballed destroyers from the United States Navy in exchange for land rights on British possessions...
with the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in 1941. On June 14, 1941, the first United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
forces arrived to survey land for a bomber airfield near Georgetown
Georgetown, Guyana
Georgetown, estimated population 239,227 , is the capital and largest city of Guyana, located in the Demerara-Mahaica region. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean coast at the mouth of the Demerara River and it was nicknamed 'Garden City of the Caribbean.' Georgetown is located at . The city serves...
.
Atkinson Field was built 28 miles (45 km) from Georgetown on 68 acres (27.5 ha) of land formerly known as Hyde Park
Hyde Park, Guyana
Hyde Park is a community in the Demerara-Mahaica Region of Guyana. It stands on the right bank of the Demerara River, at two metres above sea level, about 40 km upstream from the river's mouth, and Georgetown. Cheddi Jagan International Airport, is nearby....
, on the Demerara River
Demerara River
The Demerara River is a river in eastern Guyana that rises in the central rainforests of the country and flows to the north for 346 kilometres until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Georgetown, Guyana's largest seaport and capital, is situated on the east bank of the river's mouth. The Demerara's...
. The forest was cleared and hills were levelled and a long concrete runway was constructed. On June 20, 1941 the airfield officially opened with the activation of a weather station. The station was named after Lieutenant Colonel Bert M. Atkinson, a United States Army Air Service
United States Army Air Service
The Air Service, United States Army was a forerunner of the United States Air Force during and after World War I. It was established as an independent but temporary wartime branch of the War Department by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation...
World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
aviator. Colonel Atkinson was the commander of the 1st Pursuit Wing on the western front in 1918. Colonel Atkinson retired from the Army in 1922 after a distinguished career and died on April 27, 1937.
The mission of the station was the defense of the colony against Nazi U-Boat
U-boat
U-boat is the anglicized version of the German word U-Boot , itself an abbreviation of Unterseeboot , and refers to military submarines operated by Germany, particularly in World War I and World War II...
s. The airfield was also major staging point for American aircraft crossing the Atlantic Ocean heading to the European Theatre on the South Atlantic transport route. Also aircraft sold to the British forces by the United States were flown to Atkinson where they were turned over and ferried to North Africa. With the discovery of bauxite
Bauxite
Bauxite is an aluminium ore and is the main source of aluminium. This form of rock consists mostly of the minerals gibbsite Al3, boehmite γ-AlO, and diaspore α-AlO, in a mixture with the two iron oxides goethite and hematite, the clay mineral kaolinite, and small amounts of anatase TiO2...
deposits in northeast Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
in 1943, the mission of the airfield was expanded to protect the coastline of northwest South America and prevent any submarine landings by Axis forces on the continent.
Assigned United States Army Air Forces
United States Army Air Forces
The United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
units to Atkinson field were the 430th Bombardment Squadron (9th Bombardment Group) from 4 November 1941 - 31 October 1942 flying anti-submarine sorties in Douglas B-18 bombers. The 430th was replaced by a detachment of the 35th Bombardment Squadron (25th Bombardment Group) from 1 November 1942 - 7 October 1943. After the detection of U-Boat activity was taken over by the United States Navy, the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron (344th Reconnaissance Group) was assigned to the airfield during 1944 and 1945 flying the F-10 photo-recon version of the B-25 Mitchell
B-25 Mitchell
The North American B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engined medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation. It was used by many Allied air forces, in every theater of World War II, as well as many other air forces after the war ended, and saw service across four decades.The B-25 was named...
bomber on various mapping missions.
At the end of the war, Atkinson Field was reduced in scope to a skeleton staff. The facility was opened for all air travel, including commercial air flights on October 1, 1946. The military airfield was redesignated Atkinson Air Force Base on March 26, 1948, by Department of the Air Force General Order Number 10. The base was ordered closed on 31 July 1949 due to budgetary cutbacks. The final military cadre was 3 officers and 25 enlisted men upon closure, and the base was officially turned over to British authorities on August 1.
A modern terminal building was built and opened on 15 March 1952. When the new building was ravaged by fire on 5 August 1959 the old terminal building was renovated and used again until the destroyed building was replaced.
The lease of the facility by the United States was formally terminated on 26 May 1966 (Guyana's Independence Day). Because the lease was terminated 74 years before its due end, a new agreement was arrived at giving certain specified rights to the United States in relation to the air base for the next 17 years.
In 1965 and 1968 additions were made to the airport facilities. On the 1 May 1969 the Atkinson Aerodrome was renamed the Timehri International Airport - "Timehri
Timehri
Timehri is a town in Guyana located 41 kilometers to the south of the nation's capital Georgetown. The name "Timehri" is an Amerindian word meaning "paintings and drawings on the rock"...
" is a Carib
Carib language
Carib, also known as Caribe, Cariña, Galibi, Galibí, Kali'na, Kalihna, Kalinya, Galibi Carib, Maraworno and Marworno, is an Amerindian language in the Cariban language family....
word for rock motifs located deep in the Guyana hinterland
Hinterland
The hinterland is the land or district behind a coast or the shoreline of a river. Specifically, by the doctrine of the hinterland, the word is applied to the inland region lying behind a port, claimed by the state that owns the coast. The area from which products are delivered to a port for...
that pre-date the arrival of Europeans in the New World. The airport featured murals employing Amerindian motifs by Guyanese painter Aubrey Williams
Aubrey Williams
Aubrey Williams was a prominent artist and art lecturer in the United Kingdom.Williams was educated and worked in the Civil Service...
.
In March 1997, following the death of President Dr. Cheddi Jagan
Cheddi Jagan
Cheddi Berret Jagan was a Guyanese politician who was first elected Chief Minister in 1953 and later Premier of British Guiana from 1961 to 1964, prior to independence. He later served as President of Guyana from 1992 to 1997.- Biography :The son of ethnic Indian sugar plantation workers, Jagan...
, then-President Samuel Hinds
Sam Hinds
Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds is a Guyanese politician who has been Prime Minister of Guyana almost continuously since 1992...
decided to rename the airport the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The proposition to rename the airport was tabled in the Parliament (National Assembly) by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Vibert De Souza, who noted that it would be a fitting tribute to a man who had spent his life committed to the betterment of Amerindian people and fighting for the freedom and unity of all Guyanese. A plaque bearing the new name was unveiled on May 21, 1997 by the Prime Minister, Janet Jagan
Janet Jagan
Janet Jagan was an American-born socialist politician who was President of Guyana from December 19, 1997, to August 11, 1999. She previously served as Prime Minister of Guyana from March 17, 1997, to December 19, 1997....
.
Future Plans
The Government of Guyana has begun discussions with the government of IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
for a possible line of credit to fund massive modifications and upgrade of Guyana’s main port of entry, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Likely to cost millions of dollars, the project would see expansion of the airport area, and construction of a modern terminal and a four-lane access road to the airport from the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, according to inside sources. The new airport is also likely to include cold- storage facilities to accommodate exportation of more agricultural produce from Guyana. Designs for some of these works and other preparatory activities have reportedly started, while moves are afoot to identify the needed financial resources. The Guyana government plans to implement this major development step by step. Speaking at a recent forum at the International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, President Jagdeo told the gathering about plans to triple the size of the CJIA to include eight air bridges so that at least eight aircraft can land or take off at the same time. He also mentioned that the runaway would be extended and the airport’s general aesthetics improved, so the CJIA can be an attraction for both locals and tourists. He highlighted the establishment of a four-lane road to the airport to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic when the airport has been modified. This substantial investment, the head of state said, is to complement a string of other developmental projects currently taking place and some still in the pipelines for Guyana. Earlier in the year, this newspaper reported that, according to sources, the government was considering making Guyana a hub for international traffic, a move that would see CJIA facilitating larger aircraft and more air traffic. Currently, Piarco Airport in Port of Spain
Port of Spain
Port of Spain, also written as Port-of-Spain, is the capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the country's third-largest municipality, after San Fernando and Chaguanas. The city has a municipal population of 49,031 , a metropolitan population of 128,026 and a transient daily population...
, Trinidad
Trinidad
Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the two major islands and numerous landforms which make up the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. It is the southernmost island in the Caribbean and lies just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. With an area of it is also the fifth largest in...
, is the closest international hub in the Caribbean
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
. Making Guyana an international hub would enable this country to earn a lot more from aircraft landings and other services offered by airports, while encouraging more visitors. Aviation sources have estimated that an airport development of the magnitude envisaged could cost Guyana between US$50 million and US$100 million. To date, the authorities have not yet finalised the cost of the project, but they have been identifying the sources of funding to execute the upgrade. The current airport upgrade plan includes expanding the existing runway to approximately 10,000 feet to accommodate larger aircraft. This longer runway would also require redesigning the existing terminal building to effectively process the increased number of passengers and cargo. With regard to extension of the terminal, an assessment is expected shortly to look at not only enlarging the existing building, but relocating the existing concessions and food courts, and access roadways for arrivals and departures. Already, the government has allocated Gy$178 million to start preparatory work on designing the extension of the CJIA airstrip by 3500 feet to accommodate Boeing 747-400
Boeing 747-400
The Boeing 747-400 is a major development and the best-selling model of the Boeing 747 family of jet airliners. While retaining the four-engine wide-body layout of its predecessors, the 747-400 embodies numerous technological and structural changes to produce a more efficient airframe...
aircraft. The sum also covers designs for expansion of the arrival and departure lounges with attendant air bridges. The Boeing 747-400 aircraft is not only larger, but also heavier, and therefore requires longer runways. With seating for a maximum of 624 people, the 747-400 can fly nonstop for 7,670 nautical miles, or 14,200 kilometres, depending on the model. The CJIA runway is about 7,500 feet and usually accommodates landing of the Boeing 767
Boeing 767
The Boeing 767 is a mid-size, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It was the manufacturer's first wide-body twinjet and its first airliner with a two-crew glass cockpit. The aircraft features two turbofan engines, a supercritical wing, and a conventional tail...
, which accommodates between 181 and 375 passengers. These and other comprehensive studies for the proposed multi-million-dollar project may take no less than three months to be undertaken, and would allow the government to make informed decisions on the airport’s development.
The Government of Guyana has announced that it is embarking on a major project to expand the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. To this end, Cabinet has approved a US$138M design and construction contract with China Harbour Engineering Company
China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd
China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd or CHEC is an engineering contractor which provides infrastructure construction, such as marine engineering, dredging and reclamation, road and bridge, railways, airports and plant construction...
(CHEC).
The project, which was first announced several months ago, is expected to include an extension of the runway to a total of 10,800 feet to accommodate large transatlantic aircrafts such as the Boeing 747, along with construction of a new terminal building, acquisition of eight boarding bridges, and installation of other state-of-the-art equipment such as elevators, escalators, and x-ray scanners using three-dimensional technology, along with flight information and security monitoring systems.
Once completed, the project would ensure that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is able to meet the needs of projected traffic for several years into the future, along with becoming a hub for regional and continental traffic.
The expanded facilities at the airport are also expected to generate a wide range of economic activities, and create business and employment opportunities for thousands of persons both in the construction and operation phases of the airport.
CHEC was established in 2005 following a merger between China Harbour Engineering Company Group (founded in 1980) and China Road and Bridge Corporation. It is one of the largest Chinese state-owned enterprises engaged in foreign trade. The company has branches in 20 countries and has conducted business activities in six continents.
CHEC is currently constructing a new terminal and runway in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, having already undertaken works at the Macao International Airport and the Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
In the region, CHEC has its head office in Jamaica
Jamaica
Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length, up to in width and 10,990 square kilometres in area. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about south of Cuba, and west of Hispaniola, the island harbouring the nation-states Haiti and the Dominican Republic...
, where they are currently undertaking infrastructure development work to the tune of US$460M. They also have secured contracts to the tune of US$212M and US$40M for infrastructure works in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and the Bahamas respectively.
It is anticipated that the project will be funded by concessional financing secured from a Chinese financial institution. Construction will commence early next year, and is expected to take a total of 32 months. This project represents the latest installment in government’s ongoing efforts to transform and modernise the infrastructural landscape of the country, including a four-lane highway to Timehri, which is already under construction.
Airlines and destinations
Cargo airlines
Accidents
On July 30, 2011, Caribbean Airlines Flight 523Caribbean Airlines Flight 523
Caribbean Airlines Flight 523 was a flight from New York to Georgetown, Guyana with a stopover in Port of Spain, Trinidad on 30 July 2011. The flight was under command of Captain Fareed Dean, 51, with 25 years of experience and First Officer Jason Naipaul, 23...
[Reg - 9Y-PBM] overan the runway end in rainy weather while landing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana and went through a chain-link perimeter fence.. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, broke into two just behind the first class area. There were fortunately no casualties. At least two passengers suffered broken legs and others suffered lacerations and other injuries. The majority of the injured were treated at the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital and then sent on to the Georgetown Public Hospital
Georgetown Public Hospital
Georgetown Public Hospital, in Georgetown, Guyana, is the country's largest hospital. Its Seaman's Ward, the oldest section, was constructed in 1838. The hospital is government-run with a capacity of 600 beds, although not all are used due to staff shortages....
. Caribbean Airlines confirmed 157 passengers and 6 crew members were on board the aircraft.
Facilities
The airport resides at an elevationElevation
The elevation of a geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point, most commonly a reference geoid, a mathematical model of the Earth's sea level as an equipotential gravitational surface ....
of 95 feet (29 m) above mean sea level. It has two asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt or , also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits, it is a substance classed as a pitch...
paved runway
Runway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...
s: 06/24 measuring 7448 by 148 ft (2,270.2 by 45.1 ) and 11/29 measuring 5002 by 148 ft (1,524.6 by 45.1 ).
The terminal currently has six ground level gates.
External links
- Cheddi Jagan International Airport, official site