GAT (GUYANE AIR TRANSPORT, S. A.): Aeroport de Rocham-beau, Matoury, 97351, French Guiana; Phone 594 356 555; Code GUY; Year Founded 1948. SATGA (Societe Aerienne de Transports Guyane-Antillles, S. A.) is formed by Air France at Cayenne in 1948 to serve as a feeder. Routes are opened from the Aeroport Rochambeau at the colonial capital to Regina, St. Georges, Saul, St. Laurent du Moroni, Paramaribo, Albina, and Maripasoula. Although the French flag line initially operates flights, during the late 1950s and 1960s the subsidiary is allowed to originate some frequencies of its own. During the 1970s, SATGA is renamed GAT and begins to operate under the marketing title Air Guyane, S. A.
In 1981, the fleet comprises two Britten-Norman BN-2 Islanders.
Operations continue apace in 1982-1988 and in 1989 the fleet includes two de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300s, one of which is leased.
In 1990-1991 , routes and local services are maintained and Managing Director G. Malidor’s fleet has been upgraded to include a de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300, one Cessna 208 Caravan I and one Cessna 206.
Two years later, in 1993, Jean Pierre Prevot becomes managing director and trades in his Caravan I for a Pilatus-Britten-Norman PBN-2 Islander. That ship is removed in 1994 and replaced with the first of two ordered Cessna 406 Caravan IIs.
Operations continue apace in 1995-1996 with various degrees of good fortune.
By 1997-1999, the concern flies only one de Havilland DHC-6-300.
An Avions de Transport Aerien ATR42-520 is acquired during the first quarter of 2000 and enters revenue service wearing the company’s new color scheme.
World History
