Universal Airlines (Guyana)

Universal Airlines was an airline based in Georgetown, Guyana and headquartered in Richmond Hill, New York.[1][2] The airline operated a scheduled passenger service to the United States and to nearby Trinidad and Tobago until going bankrupt.[3] Operations were suspended in 2005.

For the U.S.-based cargo airline which operated from 1966 to 1972, see Universal Airlines (United States).
Universal Airlines
IATA ICAO Callsign
UW UVG GUYANA JET
Founded2001
Commenced operationsDecember 13, 2001
Ceased operationsAugust 29, 2005
HubsCheddi Jagan International Airport
Fleet size1
Destinations6
HeadquartersRichmond Hill, Queens, New York
Founders
  • Chandramatie Harpaul
  • Ramashree Singh

History

The airline was established by Guyanese sisters Chandramatie Harpaul and Ramashree Singh[2] to replace the defunct Guyana Airways in 2001. Operations started on December 13, 2001, with a Boeing 767-300ER leased from LOT Polish Airlines non-stop from New York City to Georgetown. The company was financed by 11 investors from Guyana.[2]

Catering mainly to Guyanese in the US, the airline focused on the specific needs of this customer base, offering larger baggage allowances and a non-stop route.[4]

It subsequently leased an Airbus A320-200 from TACA Airlines, but was repossessed in 2005 and Universal Airlines was forced to suspend operations on August 29, 2005. BWIA West Indies Airways assisted stranded passengers during that time.

Destinations

Universal Airlines flew to the following destinations:[5]

Fleet

Universal Airlines operated the following aircraft:[6]

Universal Airlines fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired Notes
Airbus A320-200 1 2005 2005 Leased from TACA Airlines
Boeing 767-300ER 2 2001 2003 Leased from LOT Polish Airlines
1 2003 2004 Leased from Air Atlanta Icelandic

See also

References
  1. O'Grady, Jim (2002-01-13). "NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: RICHMOND HILL; Making Guyana More Accessible, Two Sisters Start an Airline (Published 2002)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  2. Haughney, Christine (2002-02-10). "For Guyanese Sisters, A Dream Takes Flight". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  3. "Caribbean News, Latin America News". NewsAmericas. 2014-08-20. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  4. Phan, Monty (December 11, 2001). "Start-up Carrier Cleared for Takeoff / Universal Airlines focuses on Guyana travel market". Newsday. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  5. "Universal Airlines route map". Airlineroutemaps.com. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  6. "Universal Airlines Fleet Details and History". Planespotters.net. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
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