Universal Airlines (Guyana)

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For the U.S.-based cargo airline which operated from 1966 to 1972, see Universal Airlines (United States).
Universal Airlines
Universal Airlines logo.png
IATA ICAO Call sign
UWUVGGUYANA JET
Founded2001
Commenced operationsDecember 13, 2001
Ceased operationsAugust 29, 2005
Hubs Cheddi Jagan International Airport
Fleet size1
Destinations6
Headquarters Richmond Hill, Queens, New York
Founders
  • Chandramatie Harpaul
  • Ramashree Singh

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.

Contents

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
AircraftTotalIntroducedRetiredNotes
Airbus A320-200 120052005Leased from TACA Airlines
Boeing 767-300ER 220012003Leased from LOT Polish Airlines
120032004Leased from Air Atlanta Icelandic

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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. 1 2 3 Haughney, Christine (2002-02-10). "For Guyanese Sisters, A Dream Takes Flight". The Washington Post . ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  3. ↑ "Guyanese Travelers Face Another Nightmare With A New Airline". Newsamericasnow.com. 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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