United Airlines takes on AA on Guyana oil route

American mega carrier United Airlines inaugurated its Texas to Georgetown flight on Monday providing direct competition to American Airlines which had dominated the so-called Guyana oil and gas air route from Houston to Georgetown for the past six years.

But United, will for now, have an advantage over American as it is flying non-stop from Houston where American supermajor ExxonMobil is based. Exxon is the main operator of the Stabroek offshore oil block which has seen nearly 40 successful wells being drilled, most near the Guyana-Suriname border.

Daily Guyanese oil production is currently over 600,000 barrels from three oil fields with several more set to come on stream in the next few years taking production to more than a million barrels per day. Compared to United’s non-stop flights, AA flies directly from Houston to Guyana via Miami and is usually packed with dozens of oil and gas workers attached to offshore rigs, storage ships, the company’s main head office in Guyana and to shore-based companies supporting the industry among other assignments.

Top Guyanese government, private sector and American diplomats met the aircraft as it landed at the main Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Monday, signaling the start of what is expected to be a bare-knuckle air war between the two global carriers. United will fly four times weekly.

“We are excited to connect Houston, as well as the broader United network, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world,” Patrick Quayle, United Airlines senior vice president of Global Network and Alliances said. “This new route will offer our customers convenient access to the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Guyana and United is proud to remain the top airline to Latin America and the Caribbean from Houston, offering service to 52 unique destinations in the region – more than all other carriers combined.”

Flights from the Texas oil hub are usually filled with oil and gas workers heading in from shore leave or flying out after a month on offshore rigs, support ships or on any of the three massive floating, production and storage ships from which vessels cart away light crude oil to international markets.

US Ambassador Nicole Theriot said that United’s presence in Guyana will be great for commerce, tourism and professional travel.

“United Airlines’ new flight to Guyana is more than just a flight; it represents yet another significant milestone in our bilateral relationship. It’s a clear and exciting message that our commercial linkages are deepening, as we witness the growing number of U.S. companies coming to do business in Guyana. Simply put, it’s a win win for our economies, our cultures, and our close people-to people ties.”

Guyanese Minister of Tourism Oneidge Walrond picked on United making it easier for people in the US south to reach Guyana, noting that “this direct flight will make it easier and more convenient for travelers from the US to experience Guyana’s unique beauty and diverse offerings. We expect this to lead to a significant increase in visitor arrivals, which will have a positive ripple effect throughout our economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall growth and development of the tourism sector.”