Guyana aviation records being digitised, landing permit application goes online

Last Updated on Monday, 13 October 2025, 22:34 by Writer

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is digitising its decades-old paper records and has shifted its tedious paper-based application for aircraft landing permits to a user-friendly online portal, officials said Monday.

“I expect maybe by the first quarter of next year, we would have digitised all our files,” said GCAA Director-General Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field at the launch of the landing permit application system.

These tasks are being executed by the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s office.

GCAA Deputy Director-General, Saeed Suliman said last year the authority embarked on an electronic data management system (EDMS) whose project includes an electronic filing system that would capture records dating back to 2007 to 2025. “The NDMA has created for us a framework, a platform where the GCAA can scan a file, a paper record, and put into a digital format, all in an effort to make the access to records within the inspectorate with the GCAA very easy and efficient so that we can respond more and in real time to what is happening in the industry,” he said at the launch of the online platform for aviation operators around the world to apply for permission to land.

Mr Suliman said of the more than 1,600 files, only 180 files have been digitised. “It’s progressing nicely,” he said.

The other project modules entailed the creation of a human resources management information system, payroll system and an online application system for drones. “This platform will make it easy for people living in Berbice, for people living in Essequibo, for people visiting in Linden to apply and go through a system that is secure and efficient,” he said.

He said GCAA receives more than 200 applications from across Guyana. He said GCAA as currently testing the drone system with the aim of offering the service before yearend.

He said the local aviation regulator on Monday made a “big accomplishment” by moving to digital operations. He said aircraft operators had from 2003 when the authority was formed written on pieces of paper, but by 2007 had transitioned to email.

He believes that Guyana is the only Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state that has an online platform that allows the relevant persons to apply for permission to land.

Director-General Field said the portal represents a “paradigm shift” in how the more than 500 applications would be handled. He forecasts that that number would double by the first quarter of next year but would be handled efficiently. “By the time it gets to me, you could imagine it is the stack and a lot of work to be done. This digitisation saves all of that, Everything will be on computer,” he said.

Mr Field said that new process would pave the way for the staff to move into other areas.