Cayman Airways Launches Inaugural Flights to Barbados

By Stuart Wilson

A festive atmosphere filled the concourse at the Owen Roberts International Airport on the morning of Wednesday, 18th October to celebrate the inaugural flight of Cayman Airways from Grand Cayman to the Grantly Adams International Airport in Barbados.

The early-bird flight marks the third new route of the Cayman Islands’ national Carrier in only one year, with Panama and Los Angeles being launched earlier in 2023.

The launch ceremony for the latest route for the Cayman Airways coincided with Barbados’ Food and Rum Festival, and was attended by scores of dignitaries from both the public and private sectors, as well as influencers and media.

Many Bajan residents of Grand Cayman were also on hand for the ribbon cutting to launch the new route.

A sense of relief was palpable, as persons noted that the flight now meant that they were able to visit the Islands nation of Barbados without having to catch connecting flights.

During his remarks, Tourism Minister, the Honourable Kenneth Bryan spoke to his Caribbean compatriots of the possibilities that lie ahead and the efforts that went into making the launch a a success.

“The introduction of the Barbados route will offer cost-effective flights that will significantly enhance the convenience of travel overall to, and within, the Caribbean,”adding that financial commitment from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) to back the Cayman Airways service has been crucial in making a Barbados route a reality.

“It underscores the long-standing relationship and spirit of cooperation that exists between the governments of the Cayman Islands and Barbados,” he remarked.

Earlier this year, Cayman Airways received a request from (BTMI), to consider offering year-round service twice-weekly between the Cayman Islands and Barbados.

Minister Bryan, who also serves as Chairman of the region-wide Caribbean Tourism Organization, added: “The launch of this new air service connecting the Cayman Islands with Barbados represents a significant milestone in bolstering connectivity within the eastern and western Caribbean regions. It serves as a powerful symbol of the immense potential that emerges when Caribbean nations collaborate, and I eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our respective countries and the broader Caribbean region.”

Cayman Airways Chairman, Dr. John-Paul Clarke, also expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “I am pleased to celebrate the launch of this service and the collaboration with BTMI that made it a reality. Their support has been instrumental in getting this fledgling route off the ground and we look forward to the continuation of this productive partnership to ensure the route’s sustained growth and success.”

In addition to providing nonstop service to and from Barbados, the new service has been timed to provide convenient connections to the Eastern Caribbean and Europe via the many carriers that fly to the Grantley Adams International Airport.

The new service also provides convenient connections via Grand Cayman to Los Angeles, effectively linking the West Coast of the United States with the Eastern Caribbean.

“Additionally, we have been able to synchronize the flight schedule to align with other Cayman Airways destinations. This expanded connectivity is expected to usher in fresh opportunities for business travel, tourism, and cultural exchange, further enhancing regional ties,” said Mr. Clarke.

Craig Hinds, Acting CEO, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., noted: “This direct scheduled service, the very first of its kind from the Cayman Islands, is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our region. It symbolizes our commitment to providing more convenient and efficient travel across the Caribbean region. Regional travel has often faced challenges, including complex connecting flights and layovers. The introduction of this direct service will alleviate some of these challenges.

Travelers such as Simona Watkis, CEO of Proven Wealth said she had recently opened a new office in Barbados and the new flight was practical for business travelers and opened up new avenues for Caymanians and residents.

“It’s easy to commute now and it ties the Caribbean together. There are many Bajans in Cayman, who will appreciate the ability to get home and lots of Caymanians who want to visit there as well,” she said.

Ms Watkis added that the new route also opens up new opportunities for sports and entertainment. 

The initial service to Barbados from Grand Cayman will be available on Wednesdays, facilitating travel both to and from Barbados.

As the airline transitions into its winter schedule starting November 5, the scheduled service between Grand Cayman and Barbados will be as follows:

• Tuesdays: KX804 departs Grand Cayman at 5:10pm and arrives in Barbados at 9:35pm

• Wednesdays: KX805 departs Barbados at 11:45am and arrives in Grand Cayman at 2:25pm

• Thursdays: KX802 departs Grand Cayman at 4:30pm and arrives in Barbados at 8:55pm

• Fridays: KX803 departs Barbados at 9:20am and arrives in Grand Cayman at 12:00pm