Cayman Airways receives new Twin Otter

By Stuart Wilson

Cayman Airways held a ceremony at the airlines’ hangar to add a new twin otter to its fleet on Friday, 29th November, 2024. The new plane will bare the initials of the late Adrian “Josh” West, who passed away in July of 2023.

During the ceremony Mr. West’s widow and his son were presented with a miniature model of the aircraft that will bare his initials and a plaque to commemorate his service to the Islands and his memory.

Minister for Tourism and Ports, the Honourable Kenneth Bryan noted that the family could rest assured that their loved ones legacy, “…would continue to take flight.” 

“The fact that Adrian West is honoured makes today extra special,” said the Minister, who added that the new twin otter aircraft will free-up Cayman Airways to make flights between the Sister Islands - particularly Little Cayman - more efficient.

“These planes are one of the only ways persons get to enjoy the beauty of our Sister Islands.”

Minister Bryan praised the Cayman Airways organisation and the it’s management, noting that CEO of Cayman Airways, Mr. Fabian Whorms’ commitment to excellence has led to a lofty Travel and Leisure Magazine distinction; “…something that International travelers agree with.”

Chariman of the Cayman Airways Board, Mr. John Paul Clarke explained that the new plane is, “..built like a tank”.

He said twin otter aircraft like the new addition to the Cayman Airways fleet have been around for a long time and are very well made, so the expectation is that the new plane will serve the Cayman Islands for a considerable amount of time to come.

“The new aircraft has benefited from a technological upgrade and features an all glass cockpit, making it 500 pounds lighter due to less instrumentation being necessary for flight,” he remarked, adding that it was a great day for Cayman Airways and the Cayman Islands.

“You want to fly in this aircraft,” exclaimed the Chairman, who noted that the experience will be made extra special by the glass cockpit and the views.

“Check your tickets to see when this plane is flying and book your trips then,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer for Cayman Airways, Mr. Fabian Whorms thanked the government for the funding for new plane, which he reiterated would keep Little Cayman connected, due to availability.

Mr. Whorms said twin otters tend to hold their value more than any other aircraft and they are being made again because of their durability.

“This aircraft is not pressurised and the wings and engine are brand new. The airframe is completely redone and the plane has enough useful life to last the Island until 2040 so the investment will hold its value,” he told the audience.

The new plane also features seats that fold-up, making it able to work as a cargo plane to get supplies to Little Cayman if the barge is not in service.

The glass cockpit in the new Cayman Airways addition has 35 less instruments/gauges, making the service of the plane a bit more expedient, as the gauges referenced can be challenging to find and replace.

At a cost of roughly 3 million dollars, the plane is coming with Cayman Airways high standards, which Mr. Whorms said were among the highest in the industry.

He thanked his staff and all the team at Cayman Airways for their hard work and commitment.

“We do a whole lot with a little,” he remarked.

Prayers were also offered for the plane and the crews that will fly it before the aircraft was christened with a bottle of champagne by the Minister for Tourism and Ports and Deputy Premier, the Honourable Kenneth Bryan.