Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) has debuted its new boarding ramps in the Cayman Islands, and the airline’s passengers now have the pleasure of using them to board and deplane in both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.

The National Airline recently put the new boarding ramps into service for its Boeing 737 jet flights as well on its smaller Saab and Embraer flights following their acceptance for use by the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), and the completion of ground operations staff training on how to use them. Heralded as a significant step forward for passenger convenience in the Cayman Islands, the ramps provide a comfortable inclined walkway to board or deplane aircraft, enhancing safety and comfort compared to conventional passenger stairs.

“We have invested in boarding ramps to improve our passenger’s travel experience while increasing the efficiency of our operations.” said the National Airline’s President and CEO, Fabian Whorms. “These new boarding ramps provide a quicker, more comfortable boarding and deplaning experience for everyone, but particularly for those with limited mobility or those needing wheelchair assistance. We know how much it means for individuals to be able to walk on and off a plane on their own and for families to easily board together. Previously, wheelchair passengers had to be physically carried up or down the stairs by several support staff, but now they can board in a much more efficient, safe and dignified manner with their wheelchairs being wheeled right onto the plane. We pride ourselves in delivering Caymankindness with true Caymanian hospitality and we see the boarding ramps as one more way we can make our passengers’ experience just a bit more special.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, said: “The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to have worked with Cayman Airways to ensure that all travelers, particularly those with limited mobility, enjoy a high quality flight experience. The ramp offers a safer, more convenient boarding alternative for seniors and young children and eliminates the need on arrival for passengers to lift their carry-on bags down a flight of stairs. Additionally, our Islands dive operators have long been praised for their professionalism and experience in providing dive activities for disabled divers. The addition of the Cayman Airways’ boarding ramps will make it easier for these individuals to enjoy a more comfortable disembarkation experience when visiting to take advantage of the many benefits that diving provides.”

The new boarding ramps are also welcomed by Mr. Parker Tibbetts, the Patron of the new draft Cayman Islands Disability Policy. Mr. Tibbetts was recently invited by CAL to try the boarding ramps at Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) for his input.

“I am delighted to see that Cayman Airways has obtained boarding ramps that will provide greater accessibility and comfort to those requiring wheelchairs, or who have difficulty getting about,” commented Mr. Tibbetts, who is himself an amputee. “The boarding or deplaning process using traditional stairs can be a very distressing time for those who have historically had to be carried on or off an aircraft. The ramps stand to allow these individuals a tremendously improved and more comfortable travel experience while preserving their dignity and self-respect. After my own inspection and use of the ramps, I am pleased that they will be a great improvement to the existing experience and believe that their use will provide much faster and safer boarding and deplaning for everyone.”
Photos by James Tibbetts

About Cayman Airways
Since 1968 Cayman Airways has been serving the Cayman Islands as the country’s National Flag Carrier. With a fleet of four 737-300 jet aircrafts, the airline provides regular nonstop service from Grand Cayman to Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica; Havana and Holguin, Cuba; La Ceiba, Honduras; Miami and Tampa, Florida; and New York, New York. Flights are also operated to Chicago, Illinois, and Dallas, Texas seasonally. Cayman Airways Express operates daily flights between Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman with two Twin Otter aircraft and a new Saab 340B+ aircraft. Corporate headquarters for Cayman Airways is located at 91 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman. For more information and bookings call (345) 949-2311 (within the Cayman Islands), 1-800-252-2746 (within the US); or visit www.caymanairways.com