Fairview Airstrip Upgrade: Enhancing Eco-Tourism & Connectivity in Guyana ✈️🌿
Located in the heart of Guyana, surrounded by wetlands, forests, rivers, and mountains, the Fairview Airstrip—also known as the Iwokrama Aerodrome—serves as a critical access point to the Iwokrama International Centre for Conservation and Development.
A Vision for Growth & Sustainable Tourism
To boost tourism and provide better accessibility to this untouched natural wonder, the Guyana Government partnered with JR Ranch Inc. to develop a strategic airstrip upgrade plan. After the successful completion of the Surama Airstrip, the go-ahead was given to proceed with Fairview.
JR Ranch reached out to Soil Solutions for technical assistance and the application of Engineered Base Stabilizer (EBS) to:
✔ Preserve the surface from degradation & material loss
✔ Provide long-term dust suppression
✔ Prevent aircraft damage & reduce maintenance costs
✔ Ensure all-weather usability year-round
The Soil Solutions Approach: Efficient & Sustainable Construction
With guidance from Soil Solutions, JR Ranch undertook thorough preparation of the airstrip:
🔹 Inspection & material placement – Borrow pit material was sourced, shaped, and compacted.
🔹 Surface stabilization – A stabilized base layer was created for long-term durability.
🔹 Final grading & leveling – Ensuring a smooth, even runway surface.
🔹 EBS Surface Seal Application – Two custom-built water tankers were used to apply multiple even coats of EBS, creating a sealed, weather-resistant, and dust-free surface.
Key Benefits of the EBS Surface Seal
✅ Prevents erosion, cracking, and material loss
✅ Eliminates dust, improving safety & visibility
✅ Enhances aircraft acceleration & skid resistance
✅ Reduces aircraft maintenance & operational costs
✅ Supports sustainable tourism & conservation efforts
A Major Milestone for Guyana’s Eco-Tourism Industry
President David Granger praised the Fairview Aerodrome upgrade, emphasizing:
“The completion of the Fairview Aerodrome will result in easier access to the Iwokrama Rainforest Project, providing a great boost to the tourism industry.”
He described Iwokrama as the ‘Green Heart of Guyana’, highlighting its importance as an economic, educational, and environmental hub. With the extension and upgrade of Fairview Aerodrome, the region will now be able to accommodate modern aircraft, facilitating greater local and international access.
📩 Contact Soil Solutions to learn more about sustainable airstrip solutions!
