Caymanian carrier adds new plane for Grand Cayman-Cayman Brac flights

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Cayman Islands-based Cayman Airways has expanded its fleet.

The carrier officially added its newest plane, a Saab 340B+, this week.

The 34-seat plane will exclusively service the Grand Cayman-Cayman Brac route, eventually replacing a 30-seat Embraer E120 that is currently operated under a wet-lease arrangement with InterCaribbean Airlines.

“We are thrilled to take possession of this new aircraft, which will officially start flying scheduled flights in September,” said Cayman Airways Limited President & CEO, Fabian Whorms. “The monumental undertaking of adding an entirely new aircraft type to our fleet has been challenging, but our team has been rallied and worked diligently to accomplish this task. Now that the aircraft has been delivered the final steps necessary to put the airline into service can be completed. We know many are anxious for the maiden voyage of the Saab and we intend to begin flying as soon as possible.”

In a statement, Cayman Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell said he was “very excited by what this aircraft will mean to the future of tourism in the Sister Islands.”

“Studies have shown that having the right amount of airlift is a driver for economic growth and in order to achieve our goals and enhance the Sister Islands service, it was first necessary to right size the aircraft,” he said. “The introduction of this Saab 340B+aircraft therefore marks the beginning of a new phase of development for Cayman Airways, and a welcomed enhancement to our inter-island service offering.”