Panama Route

By Stuart Wilson

The National Carrier for the Cayman Islands, Cayman Airways Ltd. (CAL) hosted a formal relaunch of non-stop flights to Panama on Monday, 26th January at the Owen Roberts International Airport.

A cross-section of Cayman’s business leaders, politicians and media gathered for the ceremony, which gave government officials, as well as the team at Cayman Airways the opportunity to outline the importance of the route’s relaunch and what it means for Cayman’s tourism product.

Among those on hand for the event, was Tourism Minister, the Honourable Kenneth Bryan, who told the audience that he was excited and noted that it was a proud moment for Cayman Airways and the Cayman Islands.

“Just seven months ago we launched the Los Angeles route and we are thrilled because Panama is an important market. This is a win in so many ways,” exclaimed Mr. Bryan.

He added that he wanted to thank former Minister for Tourism, the Honourable McKeeva Bush who had started the route during his tenure, for paving the way. Mr. Bryan also thanked, the Honourable Charles Clifford, who was the Tourism that followed Mr. Bush and oversaw the route’s second iteration.

Mr. Bryan said the Panama route is a fast, easy and convenient way for business people and tourists to commute between the Cayman Islands and Panama and noted that as the route becomes established, it would lead to increased commerce.

“We must never forget that our people take vacations too,” said the Minister, who noted that, “…Folks are going to love having access to Panama as a destination of choice.”

Mr. Bryan said the partnership between the Ministry and the team at Cayman Airways has been productive, and explained that both he and the management of the National Carrier were looking forward to introducing the airline to a new demographic.

The Minster praised the CEO of Cayman Airways Mr. Fabian Whorms and lauded the speed at which the new route was implemented, noting that the fete was accomplished in a, “relatively short period of time.”

“In keeping with the words of the Department of Tourism’s campaign, “Dream in Cayman,” today is a dream come true,” he said.

Commenting on the relaunch, Mr. Whorms, who took the podium after Mr. Bryan noted that though this was the third iteration of service into Panama, this time feels like a “fresh launch”.

“We have a new fleet of planes and in the process of outfitting them all with in-seat power. The timing of the flights into Panama (1.30pm to 3pm), is also important because it coincides with a multitude of connections.”

He added that Panama’s airport is one of the best in the world for connections and thanked the employees of Cayman Airways for their hard work over the past 6 months.

Chairman of the Cayman Airways Ltd. Board, Dr. John Paul Clarke noted that not long ago that they were talking about the Los Angeles route and explained that the team at Cayman Airways had been judicious about its planning of this phase of the airline’s strategic partnerships.

“Our strategy is not only to fly our own metal but to also make it easy for connections and we have special agreements in place to allow for ease of baggage transition.  

Adding to the comments of Mr. Clarke, Deputy Chairman for Cayman Airways, Captain Chris Bergstrom noted that the tourism and business community will benefit greatly from the route.

Among the business leaders on hand was President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Nelson Dilbert, who spoke exclusively with the Caymanian Times.

Mr. Dilbert explained that he was making the journey to meet with business interests in Panama.

“We are seeking to establish bilateral trading and a new source of goods and materials,” said Mr. Dilbert, who noted that the talks would give Cayman more options in relation to commerce.

The theme of the relaunch ceremony was. “Rainforest meets the City”, as Panama is the only city with a rainforest within its City limits.

Photo’s compliments Cayman Airways and Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.