Giant Ukrainian Cargo Plane touches down at Cheddi Jagan International Airport

Guyana: A Giant Cargo Plane- Antonov AN-124 Ukrainian Aircraft landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Monday. Its visit to the nation shed light on the growing importance of the country in the global energy sector.

The An-124 is one of the largest aircraft in the world which is specifically designed for carrying heavy or bulky loads. It is equipped with a high volume of cargo capacity that drive-on loading ramps and a variety of built-in freight handling equipment.

The aircraft was chartered by ExxonMobil. This behemoth of the skies arrived carrying specialized equipment essential for the company’s oil exploration and drilling operations.

The aircraft’s visit to Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport will play a huge role in facilitating integration into the global economy by providing vital connectivity on a national, regional and international scale.

Along with that, the tourism authority of the country, the visit of largest cargo planes to the country marks the crucial role in will play in generating trade, promoting tourism sector and creating large number of employment opportunities for the citizens of the country.

The tourism authority stated that An-124 aircraft has the capacity of transporting large quantities of goods, equipment and raw materials. And, in case of emergencies or during unforeseen situations, the aircraft can play a huge role in providing quick delivery of food, water, medical supplies, temporary shelters by offering immediate relief to affected people.

Also, recently in the month of July, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport has also seen a massive surge in their cargo activity. The airport handled an impressive 6,015,629 kgs of cargo which marks an increase of 87% as compared to 2020.

While emphasising the development marked in the cargo sector, the CEO of Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ramesh Ghir stated that such arrival of the aircraft and growth in the cargo sector also outlines the increasing significance of the airport in its cargo sector.

The CEO also outlined that such growth in cargo movement at the airport is fueled by an effective combination of Guyana’s economic drivers. He asserted that the thriving agricultural sector is boosting the need for air cargo services, as increased exports of crops and agricultural products require swift and efficient transportation to international markets.

He continued to say that such surges in cargo activities and the visit of the aircraft to the nation are a testament to facilitating Guyana’s economic progress by streamlining the import and export of essential goods.