By: Tiana Cole |HGP Nightly News |
Guyana has taken a significant leap in regional aviation development with the launch of the Caribbean’s first-ever Air Transport Cadet Programme, placing young people at the heart of the nation’s expanding aviation sector.
On Tuesday, President Irfaan Ali officially launched the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, describing it as a transformative initiative that will prepare a new cadre of aviation talent for the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Ali said the programme represents Guyana’s commitment to building a globally competitive air transport sector supported by substantial human capital.
“Let us send a clear signal to the nation and to the world: Guyana is open for business, and our skies are open for growth. We have the vision, we are building the infrastructure, and now, with this initiative, we are training our people. The pre-flight checks are complete. All systems are set to go,”
the President declared.
He noted that Guyana’s airspace is becoming increasingly active as more international carriers establish routes to the country, supported by strengthened CARICOM partnerships and expanding global connectivity.
“Fasten your seatbelts — Guyana’s aviation sector is cleared for takeoff and is poised for a steep but safe climb,”
President Ali added.
A Strategic Investment in Youth and Aviation
The NGAP initiative is being delivered through a partnership involving:
- Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
- International Air Cadets of the United Kingdom
- Air Cadets of Guyana
- University of Guyana
The programme targets students aged 11 to 16 through aviation-focused extracurricular training, while offering vocational and professional pathways for participants aged 16 and older. It marks the first time a CARICOM state has adopted a structured air transport cadet programme to build its future workforce.
According to aviation officials, the initiative will equip young people with technical knowledge, leadership skills, and early exposure to careers such as air traffic control, aviation engineering, airport operations, piloting, and air safety management.
President Ali emphasized that Guyana’s domestic aviation network continues to expand and will require a new generation of trained professionals to sustain its growth.
The launch of the NGAP programme, he said, signals Guyana’s readiness to lead the region in aviation advancement and to invest heavily in its human resources as the sector evolves.
