SOURCE: Flyertalk

From TomCayman
Just ran a google search on this site to see if there were any updates on the rumoured 787 to GCM, but no, just this thread.
A few thoughts (and the odd fact) on this as a frequent traveller from GCM to LHR :
– BA has flown consistently on this route for over two decades.
– BA has flown 777s from time to time and yes, the 7000′ runway limits loads
– There are a lot of nationalities working in Cayman (and Bahamas, for the 252/253) that have VISA restrictions for the USA so use this flight in economy.
– As noted, Caymanians have the right to apply for a full UK passport. If they don’t, getting a one time VISA to pass through the USA is very easy and routine for them, so I don’t see that as a demand issue.
– Passing through MIA is a breeze now with the automated passport machines (as long as you have ESTA, as almost all UK passport holders do nowadays).

With all of that, I don’t get on the direct flight. Why ?
– By far the biggest factor is the fares. AA has terrific J fares GCM-MIA-LHR return, and when I can book a trip that goes J overnight Y (in AA’s Main Cabin Extra) back on their lovely new 777-300s.. for less than a WT+ seat on the 252/253… no contest
– Transiting MIA is (as I noted) easy, and for me I have Global Entry, so I can fly to MIA, easily get to the lounge and work before my flight, then sleep on the flat bed. Compares very favourably to spending 12+ hours inside a 30+ year old 767 tube.
– Again, the 767s are eaking out the end of their economic life and their reliability record is not the best. Palatable for the vacationer or VFR (visiting friend/relative) perhaps, but when you are using it for business and have meetings the next day, just one more element in the choice.

Now, if BA ever choose to put a newer aircraft on there and if the Cayman Islands Airport Authority ever extends the runway (so it can fly non-stop to LHR), then I’ll switch over. My guess, though, is that the formed is at least a year or two away, the latter more like 5-10 years if we are lucky.
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From bananahead
If the aircraft does switch to the 777 I wonder if we will see the route moved to LGW.
I recall flying LHR-NAS-PLS a couple years ago and having a chat with one of the pilots in the galley whilst waiting for the facilities. I asked why BA’s entire Carrib route flies from LGW with the exception of NAS (and it’s onward tags). The pilot said it is purely down to the route being operated by a 767 – apparently BA has no 767 handling facilities or engineers at LGW and it would have been quite a cost to do so just for one daily flight.
However, if the 777 does take over this will no longer be an issue as the 777 is the LGW mainstay.

From TyneTraveller
Well, I’m fairly sure a fully loaded 777 can’t take off from there. Can’t see it ever being full though as currently the NAS-GCM sectors are always empty ish. I totally agree with the above pricing comments though, far cheaper going via MIA……and I got the e-immigration to work today too!!! I heard that the route may go to mixed fleet out of LGW, as the Provincials did which would be a disaster for us. The terminal/apron is due for some expansion I think, which will be nice, but with Mr Dart on the island you can never know.

For more on this story go to: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1655441-future-lhr-grand-cayman-2.html

IMAGE: BA 767-300 www.britishairways.com