GCAA finally grants local helicopter service operator’s certificate

Last Updated on Thursday, 20 August 2026, 20:56 by Denis Chabrol

One month after Air Services Limited (ASL) announced the closure of its helicopter service because it could not have been certified, the subsidiary’s operation was green-lighted on Thursday by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the regulator said.

“Today the GCAA presented the Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc with their AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate) for rotorcraft operations. This is the first local operator to receive an AOC exclusively for rotorcraft operations,” the GCAA said briefly on Facebook.

ASL had complained bitterly about  protracted and tedious delays encountered with the GCAA in trying to get the rotorcraft certification.

ASL’s lawyer, Motie Singh confirmed to Demerara Waves Online News that the AOC was granted, paving the way for Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc to participate in search and rescue operations and offer medical evacuation services. He said until now, only one company is dominating the market for evacuations. He said the company has two helicopters and competent staff. “We were severely scrutinised to make sure the company came up to standard and it costs the company millions of dollars to bring it to their (GCAA) expectations,” he said.

Director-General of the GCAA, Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field said Guyana Rotorcraft Services Inc was granted the AOC after undergoing a rigid system That included developing several manuals, ensuring that the company has all the required qualified personnel and inspecting the facilities. Mr Field said those requirements are in line with the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). “There is no cutting corners when it comes to AOC. They call it a five-step process,” he told Demerara Waves Online News.

Mr Field said the AOC holder’s operations are subjected to an annual audit to ensure the standards are maintained.

Last month, ASL had said it was closing down its helicopter service after GCAA had refused to grant a rotorcraft AOC.