Works that started a few years ago on a plane that was seized in Guyana in 2017, to convert it for the use of the state, have been completed.
According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the aircraft – a Super KingAir 350 – was ferried to the United States in August 2021 to undergo a complete refurbishment.
On Saturday, the refurbished plane arrived in Guyana at 17:30h and is currently in the custody of the GDF.
A number of officials were on hand to receive the Guyana Defence Force Executive aircraft when it arrived in Guyana at the Eugene F Correia Internation Airport. These include Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan, and National Security Advisor Captain (retired) Gerry Gouveia.
In an interview with this publication, Gouveia explained that the plane will be used for local and regional travels, and also for operations along the border and other locations.
“The aircraft is in Guyana, and it’s in the possession of the GDF. Extensive work had to be done on it,” the Advisor said, adding that it was the President’s decision to complete the refurbishment.
The twin-engine Beechcraft aircraft was discovered back in 2017 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). At the time, it was found to be registered to Banco-Brandesco – one of Brazil’s largest banks. While narcotics were not found on board, identification cards of Venezuelan and Brazilian nationals were found.
Brazilian authorities subsequently claimed that the plane was stolen and flown to Guyana, though no proof of this was provided.
The plane is a Super KingAir 350 aircraft that is designed for high-speed, high-altitude, executive transport and reconnaissance missions.
According to a statement, GDF pilots and engineers had undergone training in the USA, over the last year, to operate and maintain the aircraft.
It is understood that the aircraft underwent a complete refurbishment at a top maintenance facility in Miami, Florida. This refurbishment was approved by President Ali two years ago. The refurbishment was completed last week.
The aircraft will be officially commissioned in early July, according to the GDF.
The Super KingAir 350 will be utilised for reconnaissance flights along the borders and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as well as executive transport for Caribbean and South American flights.
