Cayman Airways: Difference between revisions
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|headquarters = [[George Town, Cayman Islands|George Town]], [[Grand Cayman]], [[Cayman Islands]] |
|headquarters = [[George Town, Cayman Islands|George Town]], [[Grand Cayman]], [[Cayman Islands]] |
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|frequent_flyer = Sir Turtle Rewards |
|frequent_flyer = Sir Turtle Rewards |
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|fleet_size = |
|fleet_size = 9 |
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|destinations = 12 |
|destinations = 12 |
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|website = [https://www.caymanairways.com caymanairways.com] |
|website = [https://www.caymanairways.com caymanairways.com] |
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== History == |
== History == |
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===Early history: 1968 – 1975=== |
===Early history: 1968 – 1975=== |
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[[File:Cayman Airways Douglas DC-8 APM.jpg|thumb| |
[[File:Cayman Airways Douglas DC-8 APM.jpg|thumb|Cayman Airways [[Douglas DC-8#Series 50|Douglas DC-8-52]] in 1985]] |
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The airline was established and started operations on 7 August 1968. It was formed following the Cayman Islands Government's purchase of 51% of [[Cayman Brac Airways]] which had been founded in 1955, from [[LACSA]], the Costa Rican flag carrier, and became wholly government-owned in December 1977.<ref name="FI"/> LACSA had been serving Grand Cayman since the mid-1950s as an intermediate stop on its route between [[San José, Costa Rica]], and [[Miami]] with some flights also making a stop in [[Havana, Cuba]], as well between Grand Cayman and [[Miami]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.timetableimages.com/|title=Airline Timetable Images|website=www.timetableimages.com}}</ref> In 1965, Cayman Brac Airways (which was also known as CBA Airways Ltd.) was operating regional services from [[Owen Roberts International Airport]] in [[George Town, Cayman Islands|George Town, Grand Cayman]], to [[Gerrard Smith International Airport]] (since renamed [[Charles Kirkconnell International Airport]]) on [[Cayman Brac]] as well as to [[Little Cayman]] via a [[flag stop]] and also to [[Montego Bay, Jamaica]].<ref name="auto1"/> A weekly service with a twin-engine [[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]]. |
The airline was established and started operations on 7 August 1968. It was formed following the Cayman Islands Government's purchase of 51% of [[Cayman Brac Airways]] which had been founded in 1955, from [[LACSA]], the Costa Rican flag carrier, and became wholly government-owned in December 1977.<ref name="FI"/> LACSA had been serving Grand Cayman since the mid-1950s as an intermediate stop on its route between [[San José, Costa Rica]], and [[Miami]] with some flights also making a stop in [[Havana, Cuba]], as well between Grand Cayman and [[Miami]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.timetableimages.com/|title=Airline Timetable Images|website=www.timetableimages.com}}</ref> In 1965, Cayman Brac Airways (which was also known as CBA Airways Ltd.) was operating regional services from [[Owen Roberts International Airport]] in [[George Town, Cayman Islands|George Town, Grand Cayman]], to [[Gerrard Smith International Airport]] (since renamed [[Charles Kirkconnell International Airport]]) on [[Cayman Brac]] as well as to [[Little Cayman]] via a [[flag stop]] and also to [[Montego Bay, Jamaica]].<ref name="auto1"/> A weekly service with a twin-engine [[Beechcraft Model 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]]. |
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Early on, Cayman Airways first aircraft was a single [[Douglas DC-3]]. A few months after it was formed, the airline flew its first international route to [[Kingston, Jamaica]], operating five times a week using a [[BAC One-Eleven]] twin jet wet-leased from [[LACSA]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.airliners.net/|title=Airliners.net | Aviation Photography, Discussion Forums & News|website=Airliners.net}}</ref> International services to [[Miami]] were operated eight times a week using a single leased [[Douglas DC-6]] propliner.<ref name="auto1"/> 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.<ref name="auto1"/> The airline was also offering direct connecting jet service between [[Miami]] and [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]] via Grand Cayman at this time. |
Early on, Cayman Airways first aircraft was a single [[Douglas DC-3]]. A few months after it was formed, the airline flew its first international route to [[Kingston, Jamaica]], operating five times a week using a [[BAC One-Eleven]] twin jet wet-leased from [[LACSA]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.airliners.net/|title=Airliners.net | Aviation Photography, Discussion Forums & News|website=Airliners.net}}</ref> International services to [[Miami]] were operated eight times a week using a single leased [[Douglas DC-6]] propliner.<ref name="auto1"/> 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.<ref name="auto1"/> The airline was also offering direct connecting jet service between [[Miami]] and [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]] via Grand Cayman at this time. |
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===Expansion: 1976 – 1989=== |
===Expansion: 1976 – 1989=== |
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In 1976, the airline had increased competition on the Grand Cayman - Miami route as [[Southern Airways]] and [[LACSA]] were both operating nonstop jet service on the route.<ref>1 February 1976 Official Airline Guide (OAG), Grand Cayman schedules</ref> By the late 1970s, Cayman Airways had commenced its second nonstop route to the |
In 1976, the airline had increased competition on the Grand Cayman - Miami route as [[Southern Airways]] and [[LACSA]] were both operating nonstop jet service on the route.<ref>1 February 1976 Official Airline Guide (OAG), Grand Cayman schedules</ref> 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.<ref name="auto1"/> |
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In 1979, an additional [[BAC One-Eleven]] jet, as well as a [[Hawker Siddeley 748]] turboprop and a [[Britten-Norman Trislander]] prop aircraft were purchased and added to the fleet. |
In 1979, an additional [[BAC One-Eleven]] jet, as well as a [[Hawker Siddeley 748]] turboprop and a [[Britten-Norman Trislander]] prop aircraft were purchased and added to the fleet. |
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In 1982, the airline replaced its two [[BAC One-Eleven]] jets with [[Boeing 727-200]] aircraft strengthening the airline's regional and international capability and also allowed for the introduction of first-class service. Cayman Airways also operated a single [[Douglas DC-8|Douglas DC-8-52]] and a leased [[Boeing 727-100]] during the 1980s.<ref name="auto2"/> These aircraft were eventually replaced with [[Boeing 737-200]] jets which in turn were then subsequently replaced with [[Boeing 737-300]] aircraft. [[Boeing 737-400]] jetliners were previously operated as well. During the 1980s, Cayman Airways offered scheduled or charter service to [[Atlanta]], [[Baltimore]], [[Boston]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Houston]], [[Minneapolis]], [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and [[St. Louis]] as well as [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]] and [[Montego Bay]] in [[Jamaica]]. In addition, [[Panama City, Panama]] was served at one point. The airline also flew between Miami and [[Grand Turk Island]] as well as [[Providenciales]] in the [[Turks & Caicos Islands]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.departedflights.com/|title=index|website=www.departedflights.com}}</ref> These were the only routes flown by the carrier that did not directly serve the Cayman Islands. Cayman Airways has also operated jet service into Cayman Brac with |
In 1982, the airline replaced its two [[BAC One-Eleven]] jets with [[Boeing 727#727-200|Boeing 727-200]] aircraft strengthening the airline's regional and international capability and also allowed for the introduction of first-class service. Cayman Airways also operated a single [[Douglas DC-8#Series 50|Douglas DC-8-52]] and a leased [[Boeing 727#727-100|Boeing 727-100]] during the 1980s.<ref name="auto2"/> These aircraft were eventually replaced with [[Boeing 737#737-200|Boeing 737-200]] jets which in turn were then subsequently replaced with [[Boeing 737 Classic#737-300|Boeing 737-300]] aircraft. [[Boeing 737 Classic#737-400|Boeing 737-400]] jetliners were previously operated as well. During the 1980s, Cayman Airways offered scheduled or charter service to [[Atlanta]], [[Baltimore]], [[Boston]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Houston]], [[Minneapolis]], [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]], [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and [[St. Louis]] as well as [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]] and [[Montego Bay]] in [[Jamaica]]. In addition, [[Panama City, Panama]] was served at one point. The airline also flew between Miami and [[Grand Turk Island]] as well as [[Providenciales]] in the [[Turks & Caicos Islands]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.departedflights.com/|title=index|website=www.departedflights.com}}</ref> These were the only routes flown by the carrier that did not directly serve the Cayman Islands. Cayman Airways has also operated jet service into Cayman Brac with 727-200, 737-200 and 737-400 aircraft, including nonstop flights between Cayman Brac and [[Miami]].<ref name="auto"/> |
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===Struggles: 1990s=== |
===Struggles: 1990s=== |
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===Recent history: 2000s=== |
===Recent history: 2000s=== |
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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.<ref>https://departedflights.com/chicago-ohare-2005-page-6/ {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref> |
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.<ref>https://departedflights.com/chicago-ohare-2005-page-6/{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref> |
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In 2016, it was announced that four new [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft would be introduced between late 2018 and 2020 thus allowing for the eventual retirement of the [[Boeing 737-300]] aircraft currently operated by the airline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/|title=Cayman Airways - Airline Tickets, Web Check-in and Travel Deal|website=Cayman Airways}}</ref> The airline has also added one [[Boeing 737-800]] as an interim measure as a "bridge" aircraft between the |
In 2016, it was announced that four new [[Boeing 737 MAX#737 MAX 8|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft would be introduced between late 2018 and 2020 thus allowing for the eventual retirement of the [[Boeing 737 Classic#737-300|737-300]] aircraft currently operated by the airline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/|title=Cayman Airways - Airline Tickets, Web Check-in and Travel Deal|website=Cayman Airways}}</ref> The airline has also added one [[Boeing 737 Next Generation#737-800|737-800]] as an interim measure as a "bridge" aircraft between the 737-300 and the new 737 MAX 8. Cayman Airways Express also introduced [[Saab 340]] regional turboprop aircraft between 2015 and 2016 in tandem with the eventual planned phased retirement of the [[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|de Havilland Canada DHC-6]] aircraft as a part of the overall Cayman Airways fleet modernization plan. |
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On Wednesday 8 November 2017, the retirement process of the |
On Wednesday 8 November 2017, the retirement process of the 737-300 began with the first aircraft being phased out. |
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On Monday 27 August 2018, Cayman Airways announced in a press conference that the airline was adding [[Denver, Colorado]] (DEN) to its list of gateways. Cayman Airways also stated that this flight will be the longest scheduled commercial flight the airline has ever operated. Cayman Airways was planning to operate these seasonal five-hour nonstop flights from Grand Cayman to Denver twice weekly starting 2 March 2019, until August and then resume service in December 2019. The airline stated it would be operating its new |
On Monday 27 August 2018, Cayman Airways announced in a press conference that the airline was adding [[Denver, Colorado]] (DEN) to its list of gateways. Cayman Airways also stated that this flight will be the longest scheduled commercial flight the airline has ever operated. Cayman Airways was planning to operate these seasonal five-hour nonstop flights from Grand Cayman to Denver twice weekly starting 2 March 2019, until August and then resume service in December 2019. The airline stated it would be operating its new 737 MAX 8 on this service. |
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During the press conference on 27 August 2018, it was also mentioned that other destinations are also being considered. Destinations such as [[Los Angeles]], [[San Francisco]], and [[Vancouver, B.C.]] may be served in the future with the new |
During the press conference on 27 August 2018, it was also mentioned that other destinations are also being considered. Destinations such as [[Los Angeles]], [[San Francisco]], and [[Vancouver, B.C.]] may be served in the future with the new 737 MAX 8 with other possible destinations under consideration including [[London]], England (via a stop in [[Bermuda]]) and Brazil. |
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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.<ref>{{Cite |
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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.caymancompass.com/2018/08/27/cayman-airways-goes-west-with-denver-route/|title=Cayman Airways goes west with Denver route|first=James|last=Whittaker|date=28 August 2018|website=Cayman Compass|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> |
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In October 2018 the first of the airlines |
In October 2018 the first of the airlines 737 MAX 8 aircraft was on the final assembly line at the [[Boeing Renton Factory]] in [[Renton, Washington]]. The second 737 MAX 8 aircraft for the airline was on the assembly line at [[Boeing Renton Factory]] late January early February. |
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On 8 November 2018 the first of the airline's new |
On 8 November 2018 the first of the airline's new 737 MAX 8 aircraft accomplished its first major test flight. |
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Shortly after the first test flight of the airline's first |
Shortly after the first test flight of the airline's first 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."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/cayman-airways-addresses-operational-safety-concerns-for-new-boeing-737-max-8|title=Cayman Airways - Cayman Airways addresses operational safety concerns for new Boeing 737 Max 8|website=Cayman Airways|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> |
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In mid-November, the airline's first |
In mid-November, the airline's first 737 MAX 8 was painted in the company's colors. Further test flights took place after the aircraft had its paint job. By the end of November, the aircraft had completed all of the required post-production tests and ready for delivery. The first aircraft was handed over to the airline on 29 November 2018 and delivered to Cayman Airways at [[Owen Roberts International Airport]] in [[Grand Cayman]], [[Cayman Islands]] on 30 November 2018. The second 737 MAX 8 aircraft, completed all it required test flights and had its paint job at the beginning of March, and its handover to airline and delivery flight to Cayman Airways at [[Owen Roberts International Airport]] on 6 and 7 March. The third 737 MAX 8 aircraft is expected to be produced and delivered by September 2019. The last of the four 737 MAX 8 that was ordered by the airline is expected to be delivered in September 2020. |
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On 2 March 2019 started with its inaugural Service to [[Denver, Colorado]]. This new service (flight number KX 442) was operated with the airline's new |
On 2 March 2019 started with its inaugural Service to [[Denver, Colorado]]. This new service (flight number KX 442) was operated with the airline's new 737 MAX 8. |
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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 Flight 302|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." |
On 10 March 2019, Cayman Airways issued a statement about the temporary suspension of the new [[Boeing 737 MAX#737 MAX 8|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] aircraft after further concerns increased due to a second crash of the aircraft type operated by [[Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302|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." |
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===Modern history: 2020s=== |
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| ⚫ | In Late January 2021, The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) rescinded its airspace restriction for the |
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| ⚫ | In Late January 2021, The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) rescinded its airspace restriction for the 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. |
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| ⚫ | On 10 February 2021, a press conference with Cayman Airways CEO and other key personnel announced the ungrounding of its own |
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| ⚫ | On 10 February 2021, a press conference with Cayman Airways CEO and other key personnel announced the ungrounding of its own 737 MAX 8 aircraft and a “Return To Service (RTS)” plan to reestablish the aircraft back into service. The press conference gave a solid assurance that the aircraft is ready to safely return to the skies from the fact that all of the world's major aviation regulators and certifying authorities have given the aircraft a level of scrutiny that is unprecedented in aviation history. Cayman Airways has already completed all the aircraft modifications and improvements necessary to assure safe operation of the aircraft and we are now in the process of implementing several final measures, many of which are above and beyond the prescribed requirements. The 737 MAX 8 aircraft for the airline is expected to be fully operational beginning in Mid February.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/cal-to-unground-its-b737-8-fleet|title=Cayman Airways - CAL to unground its B737-8 fleet mid-February|website=Cayman Airways}}</ref> |
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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".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/capa-says-b7378-safe-to-fly|title=Cayman Airways - Cayman Airline Pilots Association|website=Cayman Airways}}</ref> |
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In Early February 2021, the Cayman Islands Pilots Association (CAPA) issued a statement regarding the reentry of the 737 MAX 8 aircraft. CAPA stating "The B737-8 is one of the safest planes to fly on".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/capa-says-b7378-safe-to-fly|title=Cayman Airways - Cayman Airline Pilots Association|website=Cayman Airways}}</ref> |
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During the week of the 10 February Cayman Airways Press Conference, Cayman Airways announce public viewing and walkthrough of the newly upgraded 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/cal-offers-tours-of-b737-8-aircraft|title=Cayman Airways - Public invited to tour CAL's new Boeing 737-8 aircraft and meet CAL pilots and crew|website=Cayman Airways}}</ref> |
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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. |
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. |
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On October |
On 21 October 2021, Cayman Airways cancelled its service to La Ceiba, Honduras due to an issuance of a [[NOTAM]] that Goloson International Airport is downgrading to a Category 6 Airport. Cayman Airways had operated the 737 MAX 8 for that route. [[ICAO]] requires airports to be Category 7 or higher for the 737 MAX 8 to operate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.caymancompass.com/2021/10/21/cayman-airways-la-ceiba-flights-cancelled-as-honduras-airport-downgrade-continues/|title=Cayman Airways la Ceiba flights cancelled as Honduras airport downgrade continues|newspaper=Cayman Compass |date=21 October 2021 |last1=Ragoonath |first1=Reshma }}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | 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.”<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.caymancompass.com/2023/03/10/search-for-3rd-twin-otter-for-little-cayman-route-to-begin/ | title=Search for 3rd Twin Otter for Little Cayman route to begin | newspaper=Cayman Compass | date=10 March 2023 | last1=Ragoonath | first1=Reshma }}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | On 24 July 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.caymanairways.com/cayman-barbados-direct-service-announcement | title=Cayman Airways - Announcing direct service between Cayman and Barbados }}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | 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.”<ref>{{cite |
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On 17 November 2024, Cayman Airways obtains it 3rd Twin Otter for its Express Fleet. <ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.caymancompass.com/2024/11/17/third-twin-otter-plane-for-little-cayman-arrives/ | title=Third Twin Otter plane for Little Cayman arrives | newspaper=Cayman Compass | date=17 November 2024 | last1=Connolly | first1=Norma }}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | On July |
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==Destinations== |
==Destinations== |
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{{Main|List of Cayman Airways destinations}} |
{{Main|List of Cayman Airways destinations}} |
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Cayman Airways currently serves thirteen destinations. These destinations are located in the [[Cayman Islands]] and other areas |
Cayman Airways currently serves thirteen destinations. These destinations are located in the [[Cayman Islands]] ([[Little Cayman]] and [[Cayman Brac]]), and other areas of the [[Caribbean]] such as [[Jamaica]], [[Cuba]] and [[Barbados]]; as well as in the United States: [[Los Angeles]], [[Miami]], [[Tampa]], [[New York City]], and seasonally [[Denver]]. [[Central America]]n destinations include [[Panama City, Panama]] and [[La Ceiba, Honduras]]. |
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==Fleet== |
==Fleet== |
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===Current fleet=== |
===Current fleet=== |
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[[File:Cayman Airways 737 MAX 8 VP-CIW 1st delivery flight.jpg|thumb|Cayman Airways 737 MAX 8 VP-CIW being towed in after Delivery Flight at Owen Roberts International Airport.]] |
[[File:Cayman Airways 737 MAX 8 VP-CIW 1st delivery flight.jpg|thumb|Cayman Airways [[Boeing 737 MAX#737 MAX 8|737 MAX 8]] VP-CIW being towed in after Delivery Flight at Owen Roberts International Airport.]] |
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[[File:CaymanAirwaysJet.jpg|thumb| |
[[File:CaymanAirwaysJet.jpg|thumb|Cayman Airways [[Boeing 737 Classic#737-300|737-300]] at [[Owen Roberts International Airport]]]] |
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The Cayman Airways fleet consists of the following aircraft {{as of| |
The Cayman Airways fleet consists of the following aircraft {{as of|2024|11|lc=yes}}:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/b737-300-fleet-is-officially-retired-from-service|title = Cayman Airways - Cayman Airways boasts newest jet fleet in the Caribbean following the retirement of its B737-300's}}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em auto; text-align:center" |
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em auto; text-align:center" |
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|+ '''Cayman Airways Fleet''' |
|+ '''Cayman Airways Fleet''' |
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!Total |
!Total |
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|- |
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|[[Boeing 737 MAX 8]] |
|[[Boeing 737 MAX#737 MAX 8|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] |
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|4 |
|4 |
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|— |
|— |
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|- |
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|[[ |
|[[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|de Havilland Canada DHC-6]] |
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|3 |
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|0 |
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|1<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.caymancompass.com/2022/12/09/third-prop-plane-planned-for-sister-islands-cruise-on-the-horizon/ | title=Third prop plane planned for Sister Islands, cruise on the horizon | date=10 December 2022 }}</ref> |
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|— |
|— |
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|15-19 |
|15-19 |
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|15-19 |
|15-19 |
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|rowspan="2"|Operated by Cayman Airways Express |
|rowspan="2"|Operated by Cayman Airways Express |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[Saab 340 |
|[[Saab 340]] |
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|2 |
|2 |
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|— |
|— |
||
| Line 135: | Line 139: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
!Total |
!Total |
||
! |
!9 |
||
! |
!0 |
||
! colspan="4" | |
! colspan="4" | |
||
|} |
|} |
||
| Line 142: | Line 146: | ||
===Historical fleet=== |
===Historical fleet=== |
||
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2021}} |
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2021}} |
||
The |
The former Cayman Airways fleet consists of the following aircraft (as of October 2021): |
||
{| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse:collapse;text-align:center;margin:auto;" |
{| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse:collapse;text-align:center;margin:auto;" |
||
|+ '''Former Cayman Airways Fleet''' |
|+ '''Former Cayman Airways Fleet''' |
||
| Line 156: | Line 160: | ||
!Total |
!Total |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Boeing 737-800]] |
|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation#737-800|Boeing 737-800]] |
||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|1 |
|1 |
||
| Line 162: | Line 166: | ||
|# |
|# |
||
|# |
|# |
||
|Retired and replaced by [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]]. |
|(VP-CNG) Retired and replaced by [[Boeing 737 MAX#737 MAX 8|Boeing 737 MAX 8]]. |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Boeing 737-400]] |
|[[Boeing 737 Classic#737-400|Boeing 737-400]] |
||
|3 |
|3 |
||
|3 |
|3 |
||
| Line 172: | Line 176: | ||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Boeing 737-300]] |
|[[Boeing 737 Classic#737-300|Boeing 737-300]] |
||
|6 |
|6 |
||
|1 |
|1 |
||
| Line 180: | Line 184: | ||
|(VP-CAY), (VP-CKY), (VP-CKW), (VP-CKZ) were retired and replaced by [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]]. |
|(VP-CAY), (VP-CKY), (VP-CKW), (VP-CKZ) were retired and replaced by [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]]. |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Boeing 737-200]] |
|[[Boeing 737#737-200|Boeing 737-200]] |
||
|11 |
|11 |
||
|3 |
|3 |
||
| Line 188: | Line 192: | ||
|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. |
|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]] |
|[[Boeing 727#727-200|Boeing 727-200]] |
||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 196: | Line 200: | ||
|First obtained from [[Air Florida]] in November 1982. Another 727-200 was later obtained from Air Florida. |
|First obtained from [[Air Florida]] in November 1982. Another 727-200 was later obtained from Air Florida. |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Boeing 727-100]] |
|[[Boeing 727#727-100|Boeing 727-100]] |
||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 204: | Line 208: | ||
|In 1987 a 727-100 was obtained from [[Dan-Air]] (London). In 1999 CAL obtained another 727-100 aircraft a former Forbes private 727. |
|In 1987 a 727-100 was obtained from [[Dan-Air]] (London). In 1999 CAL obtained another 727-100 aircraft a former Forbes private 727. |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[BAC One-Eleven#Variants|BAC One-Eleven 400]] |
||
|4 |
|4 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 212: | Line 216: | ||
|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. |
|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. |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[BAC One-Eleven#Variants|BAC One-Eleven 500]] |
||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 218: | Line 222: | ||
|119 |
|119 |
||
|119 |
|119 |
||
|Two BAC 111-500 were obtained in the late |
|Two BAC 111-500 were obtained in the late 1970s. These along with the 400 Series operated until 1982. |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Douglas DC-9 |
|[[McDonnell Douglas DC-9#Series 10|Douglas DC-9-10]] |
||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 228: | Line 232: | ||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Douglas DC-8]] |
|[[Douglas DC-8#Series 50|Douglas DC-8-50]] |
||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 250: | Line 254: | ||
|32 |
|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 |
|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 1970s. |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Embraer EMB |
|[[Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia|Embraer EMB 120]] |
||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 260: | Line 264: | ||
|(previously wet leased from [[InterCaribbean Airways]] for Cayman Airways Express for Brac service) |
|(previously wet leased from [[InterCaribbean Airways]] for Cayman Airways Express for Brac service) |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|de Havilland Canada DHC-6]] |
||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 268: | Line 272: | ||
|Formally operated by Cayman Airways Express for inter-island flights between Grand Cayman and Sister Islands |
|Formally operated by Cayman Airways Express for inter-island flights between Grand Cayman and Sister Islands |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Hawker Siddeley |
|[[Hawker Siddeley HS 748]] |
||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|— |
|— |
||
| Line 274: | Line 278: | ||
|58 |
|58 |
||
|58 |
|58 |
||
|Operated with CAL from February |
|Operated with CAL from February 1982–84 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Britten-Norman Trislander]] |
|[[Britten-Norman Trislander]] |
||
| Line 304: | Line 308: | ||
Cayman Airways corporate office is located in [[George Town, Cayman Islands|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|date=March 2019}} |
Cayman Airways corporate office is located in [[George Town, Cayman Islands|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|date=March 2019}} |
||
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 dollar]]s. 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.<ref>McGowan, Cliodhna. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20110728063051/http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1022739 CAL headquarters almost complete]" ([ |
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 dollar]]s. 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.<ref>McGowan, Cliodhna. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20110728063051/http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1022739 CAL headquarters almost complete]" ([http://web.archive.org/web/20110728063051/http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-bin/CFPnews.cgi?ID=1022739 Archive]). ''Caymanian Compass''. Thursday 7 June 2007. Retrieved on 5 March 2010.</ref> |
||
==References== |
==References== |
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| Line 312: | Line 316: | ||
==External links== |
==External links== |
||
* {{commons category-inline}} |
* {{commons category-inline}} |
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*{{official}} |
*{{official website}} |
||
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080614064446/http://www.caymanairways.com/ Cayman Airways] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080614064446/http://www.caymanairways.com/ Cayman Airways] |
||
Latest revision as of 10:30, 14 December 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2019) |
 | |||||||
| |||||||
| Founded | 1968 (as Cayman Brac Airways)[1] | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commenced operations | 7 August 1968[2] | ||||||
| Hubs | Owen Roberts International Airport | ||||||
| Frequent-flyer program | Sir Turtle Rewards | ||||||
| Subsidiaries | Cayman Airways Express | ||||||
| Fleet size | 9 | ||||||
| Destinations | 12 | ||||||
| Headquarters | George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands | ||||||
| Key people |
| ||||||
| Website | caymanairways.com | ||||||
Cayman Airways is the flag carrier airline of the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands. With its head office in Grand Cayman,[3] it operates mainly as an international and domestic scheduled passenger carrier, with cargo services available on most routes. Its operations are based at Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, Grand Cayman.[4] The company slogan is Those who fly us love us.
History
[edit]Early history: 1968 – 1975
[edit]
The airline was established and started operations on 7 August 1968. It was formed following the Cayman Islands Government's purchase of 51% of Cayman Brac Airways which had been founded in 1955, from LACSA, the Costa Rican flag carrier, and became wholly government-owned in December 1977.[4] LACSA had been serving Grand Cayman since the mid-1950s as an intermediate stop on its route between San José, Costa Rica, and Miami with some flights also making a stop in Havana, Cuba, as well between Grand Cayman and Miami.[5] In 1965, Cayman Brac Airways (which was also known as CBA Airways Ltd.) was operating regional services from Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, Grand Cayman, to Gerrard Smith International Airport (since renamed Charles Kirkconnell International Airport) on Cayman Brac as well as to Little Cayman via a flag stop and also to Montego Bay, Jamaica.[5] A weekly service with a twin-engine Beechcraft Model 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 Douglas DC-3. A few months after it was formed, the airline flew its first international route to Kingston, Jamaica, operating five times a week using a BAC One-Eleven twin jet wet-leased from 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
[edit]In 1976, the airline had increased competition on the Grand Cayman - Miami route as Southern Airways and 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 BAC One-Eleven jet, as well as a 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 BAC One-Eleven jets with Boeing 727-200 aircraft strengthening the airline's regional and international capability and also allowed for the introduction of first-class service. Cayman Airways also operated a single Douglas DC-8-52 and a leased Boeing 727-100 during the 1980s.[6] These aircraft were eventually replaced with Boeing 737-200 jets which in turn were then subsequently replaced with Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Boeing 737-400 jetliners were previously operated as well. During the 1980s, Cayman Airways offered scheduled or charter service to Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, Newark, New York City, Philadelphia and St. Louis as well as Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica. In addition, Panama City, Panama was served at one point. The airline also flew between Miami and Grand Turk Island as well as Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands.[8] These were the only routes flown by the carrier that did not directly serve the Cayman Islands. Cayman Airways has also operated jet service into Cayman Brac with 727-200, 737-200 and 737-400 aircraft, including nonstop flights between Cayman Brac and Miami.[8]
Struggles: 1990s
[edit]Throughout the early 1990s, the airline struggled. According to the Official Airline Guide (OAG), in 1991 three other air carriers including American Airlines, Northwest Airlines and Pan Am were competing with Cayman Airways on the Grand Cayman - Miami route with a combined total of 41 nonstop jet flights a week being operated by the four airlines.[8] Financial assistance from the Cayman Islands Government as well as financial re-structuring plus newer, more modern aircraft and the addition of new destinations such as Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Havana were beneficial for the airline at the time.
Recent history: 2000s
[edit]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 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft would be introduced between late 2018 and 2020 thus allowing for the eventual retirement of the 737-300 aircraft currently operated by the airline.[10] The airline has also added one 737-800 as an interim measure as a "bridge" aircraft between the 737-300 and the new 737 MAX 8. Cayman Airways Express also introduced Saab 340 regional turboprop aircraft between 2015 and 2016 in tandem with the eventual planned phased retirement of the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 aircraft as a part of the overall Cayman Airways fleet modernization plan.
On Wednesday 8 November 2017, the retirement process of the 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 Denver, Colorado (DEN) to its list of gateways. Cayman Airways also stated that this flight will be the longest scheduled commercial flight the airline has ever operated. Cayman Airways was planning to operate these seasonal five-hour nonstop flights from Grand Cayman to Denver twice weekly starting 2 March 2019, until August and then resume service in December 2019. The airline stated it would be operating its new 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 Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver, B.C. may be served in the future with the new 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 737 MAX 8 aircraft was on the final assembly line at the Boeing Renton Factory in Renton, Washington. The second 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 737 MAX 8 aircraft accomplished its first major test flight.
Shortly after the first test flight of the airline's first 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 737 MAX 8 was painted in the company's colors. Further test flights took place after the aircraft had its paint job. By the end of November, the aircraft had completed all of the required post-production tests and ready for delivery. The first aircraft was handed over to the airline on 29 November 2018 and delivered to Cayman Airways at Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands on 30 November 2018. The second 737 MAX 8 aircraft, completed all it required test flights and had its paint job at the beginning of March, and its handover to airline and delivery flight to Cayman Airways at Owen Roberts International Airport on 6 and 7 March. The third 737 MAX 8 aircraft is expected to be produced and delivered by September 2019. The last of the four 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 Denver, Colorado. This new service (flight number KX 442) was operated with the airline's new 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."
Modern history: 2020s
[edit]In Late January 2021, The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) rescinded its airspace restriction for the 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 737 MAX 8 aircraft and a “Return To Service (RTS)” plan to reestablish the aircraft back into service. The press conference gave a solid assurance that the aircraft is ready to safely return to the skies from the fact that all of the world's major aviation regulators and certifying authorities have given the aircraft a level of scrutiny that is unprecedented in aviation history. Cayman Airways has already completed all the aircraft modifications and improvements necessary to assure safe operation of the aircraft and we are now in the process of implementing several final measures, many of which are above and beyond the prescribed requirements. The 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 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 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 21 October 2021, Cayman Airways cancelled its service to La Ceiba, Honduras due to an issuance of a NOTAM that Goloson International Airport is downgrading to a Category 6 Airport. Cayman Airways had operated the 737 MAX 8 for that route. ICAO requires airports to be Category 7 or higher for the 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 24 July 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]
On 17 November 2024, Cayman Airways obtains it 3rd Twin Otter for its Express Fleet. [19]
Destinations
[edit]Cayman Airways currently serves thirteen destinations. These destinations are located in the Cayman Islands (Little Cayman and Cayman Brac), and other areas of the Caribbean such as Jamaica, Cuba and Barbados; as well as in the United States: Los Angeles, Miami, Tampa, New York City, and seasonally Denver. Central American destinations include Panama City, Panama and La Ceiba, Honduras.
Fleet
[edit]Current fleet
[edit]
The Cayman Airways fleet consists of the following aircraft as of November 2024[update]:[20]
| Aircraft | In Service | Orders | Passengers | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Y | Total | ||||
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 4 | — | 16 | 144 | 160 | |
| de Havilland Canada DHC-6 | 3 | 0 | — | 15-19 | 15-19 | Operated by Cayman Airways Express |
| Saab 340 | 2 | — | — | 34 | 34 | |
| Total | 9 | 0 | ||||
Historical fleet
[edit] |
The former Cayman Airways fleet consists of the following aircraft (as of October 2021):
| 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. |
| BAC One-Eleven 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. |
| BAC One-Eleven 500 | 2 | — | 119 | 119 | 119 | Two BAC 111-500 were obtained in the late 1970s. These along with the 400 Series operated until 1982. |
| Douglas DC-9-10 | 2 | — | 12 | 60 | 72 | |
| Douglas DC-8-50 | 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 1970s. |
| Embraer EMB 120 | 1 | — | 30 | 30 | 30 | (previously wet leased from InterCaribbean Airways for Cayman Airways Express for Brac service) |
| de Havilland Canada DHC-6 | 2 | — | 15-19 | 15-19 | 15-19 | Formally operated by Cayman Airways Express for inter-island flights between Grand Cayman and Sister Islands |
| Hawker Siddeley 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 | ||||
Logo
[edit]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
[edit]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.[21]
References
[edit]- ^ Norwood, Tom; Wegg, John (2002). North American Airlines Handbook (3rd ed.). Sandpoint, ID: Airways International. ISBN 0-9653993-8-9. Archived from the original on 28 November 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
- ^ "Fact sheet - History - Overview of Cayman Airways". caymanairways.com.
- ^ "Cayman Airways - Contact Us for Amazing Flying Experience". Cayman Airways. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- ^ a b Flight International 3 April 2007
- ^ a b c d e "Airline Timetable Images". www.timetableimages.com.
- ^ a b "Airliners.net | Aviation Photography, Discussion Forums & News". Airliners.net.
- ^ 1 February 1976 Official Airline Guide (OAG), Grand Cayman schedules
- ^ a b c "index". www.departedflights.com.
- ^ https://departedflights.com/chicago-ohare-2005-page-6/[permanent dead link] [bare URL]
- ^ "Cayman Airways - Airline Tickets, Web Check-in and Travel Deal". Cayman Airways.
- ^ Whittaker, James (28 August 2018). "Cayman Airways goes west with Denver route". Cayman Compass. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- ^ "Cayman Airways - Cayman Airways addresses operational safety concerns for new Boeing 737 Max 8". Cayman Airways. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- ^ "Cayman Airways - CAL to unground its B737-8 fleet mid-February". Cayman Airways.
- ^ "Cayman Airways - Cayman Airline Pilots Association". Cayman Airways.
- ^ "Cayman Airways - Public invited to tour CAL's new Boeing 737-8 aircraft and meet CAL pilots and crew". Cayman Airways.
- ^ Ragoonath, Reshma (21 October 2021). "Cayman Airways la Ceiba flights cancelled as Honduras airport downgrade continues". Cayman Compass.
- ^ Ragoonath, Reshma (10 March 2023). "Search for 3rd Twin Otter for Little Cayman route to begin". Cayman Compass.
- ^ "Cayman Airways - Announcing direct service between Cayman and Barbados".
- ^ Connolly, Norma (17 November 2024). "Third Twin Otter plane for Little Cayman arrives". Cayman Compass.
- ^ "Cayman Airways - Cayman Airways boasts newest jet fleet in the Caribbean following the retirement of its B737-300's".
- ^ McGowan, Cliodhna. "CAL headquarters almost complete" (Archive). Caymanian Compass. Thursday 7 June 2007. Retrieved on 5 March 2010.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Cayman Airways at Wikimedia Commons- Official website
- Cayman Airways
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