GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Aviation officials from Guyana and Panama met earlier this week to examine the strengthening of security cooperation in air travel between the two countries.

A representative from Panama’s national carrier, COPA Airlines, which operates non-stop flights between the two countries also attended the engagement.

The discussions addressed the implementation of a comprehensive one-stop security programme, which aims to eliminate the requirement for transfer passengers and their checked baggage originating from Guyana to undergo re-screening at Panama’s International Airport after initial screening at the Cheddi Jagan Airport.

The proposed one-stop security programme will enable passengers connecting to onward flights to bypass supplementary security checks in Panama.

Panama is considering a unilateral recognition of Guyana’s aviation security measures to facilitate the programme.

During the meeting, there was an evaluation of the current security protocols and areas for enhanced cooperation were identified.

According to a statement from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the airport’s Director of Security, Manmohan Balram said the meeting represented a significant step forward in enhancing air travel security between Guyana and Panama.

A comprehensive security assessment was conducted to support the implementation of this programme. Following the evaluation, it was confirmed that Guyana’s security procedures comply with the established security protocols of the Panama Civil Aviation Authority.