✈️ Cayman Airways' fleet renewal hinges on disputed Little Cayman airport project

Cayman Airways is planning to renew its Express domestic fleet in the coming years, but the decision may be influenced by the controversial proposal to develop a new airport on Little Cayman. The airline is currently reviewing the Saab aircraft that flies between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac for a suitable replacement. The airline also operates two Twin Otter aircraft that fly round trips to all three Cayman Islands. These aircraft are suitable for landing on the short airstrip at Little Cayman’s Edward Bodden Airfield, which requires special permission from the Civil Aviation Authority due to the airfield not meeting international safety regulations. 🛬

A third Twin Otter has been purchased and is due to arrive this month. However, in the long term, Cayman Airways is hoping to replace these small planes as well as the Saabs with a single type of aircraft to cover all the domestic routes. An aviation consultancy firm has been enlisted to conduct the necessary research and analysis for identifying the optimal replacement. The decision will be affected by the development plans for Little Cayman. At the moment, Cayman Airways must regularly secure a flight exemption certificate to fly to Little Cayman. There have been recent indications from the governor’s office that this special exemption could be revoked, but the tourism minister has assured that this will not happen in the immediate future. ✈️

The proposal to build a new airport on Little Cayman has sparked controversy over issues such as costs, justification for the work, and negative environmental impacts. Residents fear that a larger airport will lead to an increase in development and visitors, placing the island’s natural resources and marine habitat at much greater risk. A petition recently started by the Sister Islands Tourism Association reflects the local opposition to a new airport and the determination of objectors to fight the proposal to develop a larger airport. The petitioners argue that there are other options which have not been considered. 🌴