Cayman Airways

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Cayman Airways
IATA
ICAO
Callsign
KX CAY CAYMAN
Founded1968 (as Cayman Brac Airways)
Cayman Airways Express
Fleet size8
Destinations12
HeadquartersGeorge Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Key people
  • Fabian Whorms - President and CEO
  • Paul Tibbetts CPA - Executive VP and CFO
Websitecaymanairways.com

Cayman Airways is the

George Town, Grand Cayman.[4]
The company slogan is Those who fly us love us.

History

Early history: 1968 – 1975

A Cayman Airways Douglas DC-8-52 in 1985

The airline was established and started operations on 7 August 1968. It was formed following the Cayman Islands Government's purchase of 51% of

Beechcraft 18 aircraft was being operated on a routing of Grand Cayman – Little Cayman (flag stop only) – Cayman Brac – Montego Bay with an additional weekly service being flown between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac with an intermediate stop on occasion at Little Cayman as a flag stop. Connecting services for Grand Cayman were available to LACSA flights for services to Miami and also for Pan Am flights at Montego Bay for connecting service to Miami and New York City
.

Early on, Cayman Airways first aircraft was a single

LACSA.[6] International services to Miami were operated eight times a week using a single leased Douglas DC-6 propliner.[5] By the winter of 1973, Cayman Airways was operating stretched BAC One-Eleven series 500 aircraft on both of its jet routes with seventeen flights a week between Grand Cayman and Miami as well as five flights a week between Grand Cayman and Kingston.[5] The airline was also offering direct connecting jet service between Miami and Kingston
via Grand Cayman at this time.

Expansion: 1976 – 1989

In 1976, the airline had increased competition on the Grand Cayman - Miami route as

LACSA were both operating nonstop jet service on the route.[7] By the late 1970s, Cayman Airways had commenced its second nonstop route to the United States with service between Grand Cayman and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport operated with a BAC One-Eleven series 500.[5]

In 1979, an additional

Hawker Siddeley 748 turboprop and a Britten-Norman Trislander
prop aircraft were purchased and added to the fleet.

In 1982, the airline replaced its two

Boeing 737-400 aircraft, including nonstop flights between Cayman Brac and Miami.[8]

Struggles: 1990s

Throughout the early 1990s, the airline struggled. According to the

Fort Worth and Havana
were beneficial for the airline at the time.

Recent history: 2000s

In 2005, Cayman Airways was the only airline operating nonstop service from Grand Cayman to

Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) with a weekly 737 flight.[9]

In 2016, it was announced that four new

DHC-6 Twin Otter
series 300 aircraft as a part of the overall Cayman Airways fleet modernization plan.

On Wednesday 8 November 2017, the retirement process of the

Boeing 737-300
began with the first aircraft being phased out.

On Monday 27 August 2018, Cayman Airways announced in a press conference that the airline was adding

Boeing 737 MAX 8
on this service.

During the press conference on 27 August 2018, it was also mentioned that other destinations are also being considered. Destinations such as

Boeing 737 MAX 8 with other possible destinations under consideration including London, England (via a stop in Bermuda) and Brazil
. However, these new services would require the runway at Owen Roberts International Airport to be lengthened. This runway lengthening project is expected to occur within the next several years.[11]

In October 2018 the first of the airlines

Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for the airline was on the assembly line at Boeing Renton Factory
late January early February.

On 8 November 2018 the first of the airline's new

Boeing 737 MAX 8
aircraft accomplished its first major test flight.

Shortly after the first test flight of the airline's first

Boeing 737 MAX 8, Cayman Airways issued a statement about the safety of the new aircraft and its acceptance into the airline after concerns loomed due to a crash of an aircraft of the same model operated by Lion Air in Asia (Lion Air Flight 610). In the airline statement, Cayman Airways CEO and president Fabian Whorms stated "I can give a full assurance that our new aircraft will not be delivered or accepted unless it has thoroughly passed all required post-production flight and ground tests successfully. Cayman Airways operates within the strict parameters of a comprehensive and robust Safety Management System and our new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will enter passenger service only after both the aircraft and the Airline are in full compliance with all safety-related requirements. Once the new aircraft enters service, it will be operated and maintained to the highest standards, with our usual and unwavering commitment to safety."[12]

In mid-November, the airline's first

Boeing 737 MAX 8
that was ordered by the airline is expected to be delivered in September 2020.

On 2 March 2019 started with its inaugural Service to

Boeing 737 MAX 8
.

On 10 March 2019, Cayman Airways issued a statement about the temporary suspension of the new

Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft after further concerns increased due to a second crash of the aircraft type operated by Ethiopian Airlines
in Africa. In the airline statement Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms stated: "We have taken the decision to suspend operations of both our new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, effective from Monday 11 March 2019, until more information is received." Mr. Whorms also stated, "Cayman Airways is currently working in coordination with both the Boeing Corporation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) to monitor the investigation into Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302."

In Late January 2021, The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) rescinded its airspace restriction for the

Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This action was done following clearance by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the end of 2020 and approval in January 2021 by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Officials explained that the decision follows the approval of extensive modifications to the design of the aircraft, to how it is flown, and to pilot training. This includes modifications to the aircraft’s Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System
(MCAS), as well as other key safety changes aimed at preventing further accidents.

On 10 February 2021, a press conference with Cayman Airways CEO and other key personnel announced the ungrounding of its own

Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for the airline is expected to be fully operational beginning in Mid February.[13]

In Early February 2021, the Cayman Islands Pilots Association (CAPA) issued a statement regarding the reentry of the

Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. CAPA stating "The B737-8 is one of the safest planes to fly on".[14]

During the week of the 10 February Cayman Airways Press Conference, Cayman Airways announce public viewing and walkthrough of the newly upgraded

Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and watch some of the operational test flights at Owen Roberts International Airport and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport over the weekend.[15]

Between 1st half 2020 to 2nd half of 2021 Cayman Airways like many airlines around the world had taken a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, from Mid 2020 through 3rd Quarter of 2021 Cayman Airways operated Repatriation flights through the Government's Travel Cayman Program. Cayman Airways returned to a reduced commercial flight schedule during the 4th Quarter of 2021.

On October 21, 2021, Cayman Airways cancelled its service to La Ceiba, Honduras due to an issuance of a

Boeing 737 MAX 8 to operate.[16]

In March 2023, during an interview on Cayman Compass talk show 'The Resh Hour', Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms noted that they have begun the process of looking for a 3rd Twin Otter for its Express Fleet. He also noted that in the near future they may look at replacing its Saab 340B+ fleet, he also stated “Ideally, we’d like that whatever we replace it with be something that can also fulfil the mission that the Twin Otters currently fulfil for us. But that’s dependent as to what happens with the Little Cayman aerodrome.”[17]

On July 24, 2023, a joint press briefing with Government Ministers from Barbados and Cayman Islands as well as Cayman Airways was held. During the briefing they introduced a twice weekly Direct service to Barbados, this introducing the airline to Eastern Caribbean markets and by way of Barbados extending out to more European Markets. In addition to Barbados announcement, they announced expanding an additional two Los Angeles flights. This came nearly a Month after Cayman Airways restarted to flights to Panama. [18]

Destinations

Main article: List of Cayman Airways destinations

Cayman Airways currently serves thirteen destinations. These destinations are located in the

La Ceiba, Honduras
.

Fleet

Current fleet

Cayman Airways 737 MAX 8 VP-CIW being towed in after Delivery Flight at Owen Roberts International Airport.
Boeing 737-300 at Owen Roberts International Airport

The Cayman Airways fleet consists of the following aircraft as of December 2022[update]:[19][20]

Cayman Airways Fleet
Aircraft In Service Orders Passengers Notes
C Y Total
Boeing 737 MAX 8
 4 — 16 144 160
De Havilland Canada DHC 6–300 Twin Otter 2 1[21] — 15-19 15-19 Operated by Cayman Airways Express.
Saab 340B+ 2 — — 34 34
Total 8 1

Historical fleet

The Former Cayman Airways fleet consists of the following aircraft (as of October 2021):

Former Cayman Airways Fleet
Aircraft Total Retired In Storage Passengers Notes
C Y Total
Boeing 737-800
 1 1 — # # (VP-CNG) Retired and replaced by
Boeing 737 MAX 8
.
Boeing 737-400
 3 3 10 120 130
Boeing 737-300
 6 1 8 114 122 (VP-CAY), (VP-CKY), (VP-CKW), (VP-CKZ) were retired and replaced by
Boeing 737 MAX 8
.
Boeing 737-200
 11 3 8 104 112 Around 1986-87 CAL leased 1 from Dan-Air (London). March 1991 CAL began leasing the others and type remained in service until January 2009.
Boeing 727-200
 2 — 134 134 134 First obtained from Air Florida in November 1982. Another 727-200 was later obtained from Air Florida.
Boeing 727-100
 2 — 106 106 106 In 1987 a 727-100 was obtained from Dan-Air (London). In 1999 CAL obtained another 727-100 aircraft a former Forbes private 727.
British Aircraft Corporation BAC One-Eleven series 400 4 — 89 89 89 From CAL's inception in 1968 through 1978 the airline obtained several of the BAC 111-400. These along with the 500 Series operated until 1982.
British Aircraft Corporation BAC One-Eleven series 500 2 — 119 119 119 Two BAC 111-500 were obtained in the late 1970's. These along with the 400 Series operated until 1982.
Douglas DC-9
-10 		2 — 12 60 72
Douglas DC-8-52 1 — 189 189 189
Douglas DC-6 2 — 68 68 68
Douglas DC-3 1 — 32 32 32 in 1960's Cayman Brac Airways operated DC-3s leased by
LACSA
. Once Cayman Airways became established it took over from Cayman Brac Airways and operated 1 DC-3 and continued to operate well into the 1970's.
Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia
 1 — 30 30 30 (previously wet leased from InterCaribbean Airways for Cayman Airways Express for Brac service)
De Havilland Canada DHC 6–300 Twin Otter 2 — 15-19 15-19 15-19 Formally operated by Cayman Airways Express for inter-island flights between Grand Cayman and Sister Islands
HS-748
 1 — 58 58 58 Operated with CAL from February 1982-84
Britten-Norman Trislander 1 — 17 17 17 CAL operated this aircraft during the early to mid 1980s. Aircraft was used for inter-island flights between Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands.
Short 330 1 — 36 36 36 Operated with CAL from 1986 to 1990.
Total 40+/- 9

The company's mascot is an embellishment of the original Sir Turtle designed by Suzy Soto. As first designed, Sir Turtle did not have the red flying scarf. That original design was used on baggage stickers by Cayman Islands Customs and also became the logo of the Department of Tourism which was then headed by Eric Bergstrom. The red flying scarf was later added to Sir Turtle in 1978 by Capt. Wilbur Thompson, the Chief Pilot of Cayman Airways at the time, and the modified Sir Turtle became the airline's new logo.

Head office

Cayman Airways corporate office is located in George Town and is located at 91 Owen Roberts Drive almost opposite the Cayman Airways aircraft maintenance facility located at 54 Owen Roberts Drive. Owen Roberts Drive is the main road leading to the Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman.[citation needed]

The Cayman Airways corporate office was housed in the former Sammy's Airport Inn. Another previous Cayman Airways offices were damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The Cayman Islands government purchased Sammy's Airport Inn for $2.85 million United States dollars. The fit-out, including the furniture, was completed for $3 million U.S. with the valuation of the property estimated at 6.76 million U.S. as of June 2007. Parking for the head office is located in the adjacent Cayman Islands Airport Authority property with there being more parking per square foot at the current Cayman Airways head office than in most buildings in George Town.[22]

References

  1. ISBN 0-9653993-8-9. Archived from the original
    on 28 November 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  2. ^ "Fact sheet - History - Overview of Cayman Airways". caymanairways.com.
  3. ^ "Cayman Airways - Contact Us for Amazing Flying Experience". Cayman Airways. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  4. ^ a b Flight International 3 April 2007
  5. ^ a b c d e "Airline Timetable Images". www.timetableimages.com.
  6. ^ a b "Airliners.net | Aviation Photography, Discussion Forums & News". Airliners.net.
  7. ^ 1 February 1976 Official Airline Guide (OAG), Grand Cayman schedules
  8. ^ a b c "index". www.departedflights.com.
  9. ^ https://departedflights.com/chicago-ohare-2005-page-6/[permanent dead link] [bare URL]
  10. ^ "Cayman Airways - Airline Tickets, Web Check-in and Travel Deal". Cayman Airways.
  11. ^ Whittaker, James (28 August 2018). "Cayman Airways goes west with Denver route". Cayman Compass. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  12. ^ "Cayman Airways - Cayman Airways addresses operational safety concerns for new Boeing 737 Max 8". Cayman Airways. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  13. ^ "Cayman Airways - CAL to unground its B737-8 fleet mid-February". Cayman Airways.
  14. ^ "Cayman Airways - Cayman Airline Pilots Association". Cayman Airways.
  15. ^ "Cayman Airways - Public invited to tour CAL's new Boeing 737-8 aircraft and meet CAL pilots and crew". Cayman Airways.
  16. ^ "Cayman Airways la Ceiba flights cancelled as Honduras airport downgrade continues". 21 October 2021.
  17. ^ "Search for 3rd Twin Otter for Little Cayman route to begin". 10 March 2023.
  18. ^ "Cayman Airways - Announcing direct service between Cayman and Barbados".
  19. ^ "Cayman Airways Fleet Details and History". www.planespotters.net.
  20. ^ "Cayman Airways - Cayman Airways boasts newest jet fleet in the Caribbean following the retirement of its B737-300's".
  21. ^ "Third prop plane planned for Sister Islands, cruise on the horizon". 10 December 2022.
  22. ^ McGowan, Cliodhna. "CAL headquarters almost complete" (Archive). Caymanian Compass. Thursday 7 June 2007. Retrieved on 5 March 2010.

External links

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