Wednesday October 15, 2014 was a landmark day for Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) as its newly leased Embraer 120 aircraft completed its inaugural flight between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Cayman Airways Express flight KX1003 left Grand Cayman at 8am this morning and arrived into Cayman Brac just after 8:30am with all 30 seats full after a brief ribbon cutting at Owen Roberts International Airport to mark the occasion. The return flight and the first scheduled departure out of Cayman Brac, Cayman Airways Express KX1004 left Cayman Brac at 9:05am.

“It is a very proud day for Cayman Airways as we introduce an enhanced flying experience for our daily Cayman Brac flights, which we know will be welcomed by residents and visitors alike,” commented CAL President and CEO, Fabian Whorms, who noted that the Embraer was obtained under a temporary wet lease arrangement and will be operated by interCaribbean Airways. “The 30-seat aircraft has a flight attendant for passenger comfort and safety and is fully equipped with galley and lavatory facilities. It will allow the reduction of certain jet flights to/from Cayman Brac on days when loads do not typically require the number of seats provided by the jet service (Thursday and Saturday nights), and the Twin Otter service will now be able to focus more on Little Cayman and on service between the Sister Islands. This aircraft type will be utilized for an interim period while Cayman Airways completes the necessary steps to introduce slightly larger Saab 340 aircraft on the route in early 2015. The Saab 340 will be owned and operated by Cayman Airways, staffed with our top ranked Cayman Airways staff and featuring Sir Turtle and the full Cayman Airways livery.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for District Administration, Tourism and Transport, the Honourable Moses Kirkconnell, commented: “I am delighted that we have been able to launch this new service for Cayman Brac through Cayman Airways. This service has been something that I have been passionate about for many years. The increased airlift and seat availability will bring many benefits to not only the Cayman Brac tourism product, but the entire Cayman Brac economy in general. Cayman Airways has been able to time the flights of the 30-seater to also connect with Little Cayman flights on the Twin Otter and many other international flights into and out of Grand Cayman.”

The Embraer 120 will offer two flights per day to and from Cayman Brac (except for Tuesdays when the aircraft will be on scheduled maintenance) with additional flights on certain heavier demand days that need more seat capacity. Passengers wishing to travel on the Embraer aircraft can look for flight numbers between 1002 and 1010 when making their bookings. To book, call Cayman Airways Reservations on 949-2311, contact a travel agent, or book online at www.caymanairways.com.

IMAGE: rushandege.org