Caymanian Pilots Receive Various Promotions at CAL

The National Carrier for the Cayman Islands held a ceremony to recognise the promotions of several pilots to various ranks within their fleet at the George Town Yacht Club on 7th March.

The event, which coincided with Women’s History Month and on the eve of International Women’s Day, was especially significant this year, as 5 Caymanian women are now make up 12 percent part of the airline’s cadre of pilots.

Among them are Miss Cayman Islands World, Ms Leanni Tibbets, who is now a Twin Otter DHC-6 First Officer and her colleague Jessica Ebanks, who is also Twin Otter DHC-6 First Officer in training.

Other women in the fleet include B737-8 First Officer Giselah Ebanks; Saab 340B+ Captain Crystal Godet; Saab 340B+ First Officer Amber Hydes.

For the men, Captain Lachlan Dyett is currently undergoing training to be promoted from a Twin Otter DHC-6 Captain to a Saab 340B+ Captain.

Additionally, First Officer Shawn Larson was promoted in November 2022 from a Twin Otter DHC-6 First Officer to a Saab 340B+

Two pilots were promoted from the Saab 340B+ fleet to the B737-8 jet fleet: First Officer Jeremy Miller in February 2023 and First Officer Diego McCoy in January 2023.

Two current pilots on the B737-8 fleet were upgraded to Captain: Captain Troy McCoy, promoted to Captain in December 2022 and Captain Tarik Goring, promoted to Captain in February 2023.

First Officer Zachary Powery is in training.

During remarks at the event, Cayman Airways CEO, Fabian Whorms noted that he was particularly proud of the fact that all of the pilots under the banner of Cayman Airways were Caymanians; a distinction that cannot be boasted in other areas of professional life in the British Territory.

Mr. Whorms also welcomed representatives from the Boeing Corporation whom he said had always been a part of Cayman Airways’ journey and continue to work closely with the carrier in relation to various initiatives, including training and advice.

“I am happy to see these pilots who have now gone through the training and progressing up the ranks

Cayman Airways’ Chairman of the Board and former Pilot, Mr. Kris Bergstrom, spoke to the audience about the airline going through a special sage in its evolution and one that he wanted to see continuing into the future.

“One of the ways the airline contribute to our society is through its pilots, who are our pride and joy,” he noted.

The promotions come as the airline has been expanding into new markets such as Los Angeles and reintroducing direct flights to Panama after many routes were affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Founded in 1968, Cayman Airways has been serving the people of the Cayman Islands and beyond for over 50 years.