Cayman Islands: CIAA celebrates air traffic controllers

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (19 October, 2016) The group of men and women who are tasked with maintaining a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic in the Cayman Islands are being recognized for their efforts on International Day of the Air Traffic Controller, celebrated on Thursday, 20 October.

Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for flight movements on the ground, clearing the aircraft for take-off and coordinating its movements in the air space surrounding our islands. While the job is very demanding, the dedicated group of controllers at the Owen Roberts and Charles Kirkconnell International Airports say they are more than happy to face the challenges since their role is also very rewarding.

“This field is one that is constantly changing as technological advancements present themselves and I am so happy to be a part of this team of young Caymanian professionals who are not only recognized locally, but also internationally and often referred to as some of the industry’s best. Becoming an Air Traffic Controller is no doubt one of my life’s greatest achievements,” said Air Traffic Control Manager Erick Bodden.

Charles Kirkconnell International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Supervisor Joshua Burke added, “I love my job, there are no two days alike and each day comes with its own unique challenges. You are constantly learning and implementing new ways of providing an essential service in a safe and expeditious manner, to keep up with the rapid growth of air travel around the world.”

International Day of the Air Traffic Controller is celebrated on the 20th of October to commemorate the foundation of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (IFATCA) in 1961.

Photo 1 : CIAA’s Air Traffic Controllers at Owen Roberts International Airport (Back Row; Jay Evans, Alastair Bird, Simon Rivers, Jon Schutte. Middle Row; Derrin Brandon, Erick Bodden, Jeremy Miller, Jason Giddings. Front Row; Davina Bush, Nicola O’Connor, Colin Solly).
Photo 2: CIAA’s Air Traffic Controllers at Charles Kirkconnell International Airport ( L to R Clem Scott, Carley Lazzari, Hendric Myrie, Joshua Burke, Eric Bodden).