The inaugural Cayman Airways flight from the Cayman Islands to Barbados took place today, signalling the two countries’ efforts towards enhancing cultural ties, friendships, business and trade opportunities, through easier airlift access to North-Western Caribbean countries.
During a welcome ceremony at the Grantley Adams International Airport, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Craig Hinds, underscored the importance of the new airlift service.
“This significant milestone marks a new beginning not only for Barbados but I think for the entire Caribbean. This moment is more than just the arrival of an aircraft; it signifies a remarkable step forward in our commitment to enhancing airlift options and expanding our reach across the Caribbean region,” he said.
Mr. Hinds pointed out that the scheduled service is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines the region, and symbolises both islands’ commitment to providing more convenient and efficient travel across the Caribbean region.
Cayman Islands’ Minister of Tourism and Ports, Kenneth Bryan, on the departure of the inaugural flight from the Owen Roberts International Airport, also spoke about the significance of the new service.
“There are so many reasons to celebrate and feel proud about what this flight represents this morning. Firstly, it signifies the partnership between Governments of the Cayman Islands and Barbados that have joined forces to enhance regional and international connectivity to our respective jurisdictions. Secondly, it represents collaboration and commitment to working together to create mutual beneficial opportunities for our tourism industries to grow and to flourish,” he said.
Minister Bryant added: “I’m immensely proud to be embarking on this new chapter in our national airlines history and to share this journey of discovery with our friends in the region of Barbados. I see this as a win-win for both destinations, also for visitors, our tourism industry, and ultimately our good people of our countries.”
President and CEO of Cayman Airways, Fabian Whorms, who was on the inaugural flight, noted he was happy to be on the island celebrating the inauguration of the direct service between Grand Cayman and Barbados utilising Cayman Airways’ new 160C Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft. He too reemphasised the importance of the new service.
“This service represents a milestone in air connectivity within the Caribbean and is one of the longest nonstop scheduled intra-Caribbean scheduled flights ever undertaken by any airline. It impressively spans from almost the very west of the Caribbean to the absolute east,” Mr. Whorms stated.
He encouraged Barbadians to embrace, support, and utilise the new service, pointing out “for the route to be successful, for it to be viable, like any new airline, it inherently depends on the level of demand that is there for the service”.
The flight captained by Steven Coe received a water salute from both countries, and passengers were treated to tokens and treats. Cayman Airways, with its slogan “Who Fly Us, Love Us”, will fly once weekly to Barbados on Wednesdays, with additional service expected to increase in November, with connections to Los Angeles, California.