By Janelle CarterAir Services Limited (ASL) which has been serving Guyana’s hinterland communities for over half a century, yesterday commissioned its latest addition to a growing fleet of aircraft – a commercial Bell Long Range IV helicopter.During a simple ceremony the Air Services ‘family’ introduced the chopper 8R GTR to a gathering which included members of the Diplomatic Corps.,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys, the business community and several other special invitees. The chopper was sourced from Mexico and was previously used by that government for police duties as well as medical evacuations.Speaking of the company’s achievement over the years, Operations Manager Annette Arjoon-Martins said ASL has played a major role in the development of the country’s interior to the benefit of both residents and visitors.In particular, she said, in the past 50 years, as Guyana has grown so has the company, as in that time they have moved from one aircraft to twenty-two.“A second barometer of our growth can be seen in the recent move to increase the number of Caravan aircraft in our fleet for their more efficient turbine engines, greater payloads and passenger comfort.”Arjoon-Martins added that the commissioning of the chopper is somewhat of a glamorous ingredient that is much needed for Guyana’s continuous growth.From left, Captain Jorge Gomes,Cheap Authentic Air Max, businessman Compton Mendonca, Captain Mazahar Ally, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and ASL boss Yacoob Ally pose with the chopper.“All the evidence suggests that Guyana is on the cusp of even further growth with the robust expansion now evident in gold mining and forestry, as well as in other sectors, and high expectations for the petroleum industry”.She stressed the fact that Guyana is clearly on the brink of a market for helicopter service,Wholesale Cheap Jerseys, meeting not only the commercial needs of the petroleum industry but of the gold mining, forestry, tourism and other sectors as well.Additionally, she said the locally-owned and operated helicopter service can be readily utilised to enhance the search-and-rescue capacity of both the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority in the often difficult aspects of such vital work.“With a helicopter at the ready,Cheap Jerseys From China Outlet, we can now provide medical evacuation support directly from the remote interior locations to Ogle Airport where the nearest hospital is minutes away. It is no guess to say that lives will be saved in the process.”Further, it was pointed out that next year, 100 years of aviation in Guyana will be observed,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, and it is timely that Air Services Limited will be entering? the second century of aviation development in Guyana? as “the first locally-owned commercial helicopter service provider”.“Our company is enthused about the launch of this service. We have the required maintenance staff,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, and we also have a fully qualified helicopter pilot and approved helicopter flight instructor who can train local pilots.It must also be noted that with this new addition persons will see a reduction of the arduous logistics of having to drug supplies over challenging terrain for days on end. Mining operations can now save?downtime by having essential spares delivered to site and monitoring of the operations can now be done much more effectively.”Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, who was also present at the commissioning, lauded the efforts of ASL, noting that the addition is very timely. He opined that the services will be well received as it will boost the country’s search-and-rescue capabilities. Benn added that persons will also be better able to “access some of our hard to reach hinterland areas which have great potential”.Meanwhile, ASL has said permission was sought for the chopper to be registered under the name 8 R GTR which are the initials of longstanding ASL employee Tularam Ramsukh, who holds the post of Maintenance Manager.