The plane made its debut at Cayman Brac’s Charles Kirkconnell International Airport.
The 34-seat plane will be phased into service between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, replacing the existing 30-seat Embraer E120 plane.
That plane had been operating under a temporary wet-lease arrangement with InterCaribbean Airlines.
“After a thorough evaluation, the Saab 340B+ aircraft was selected as an ideal aircraft to provide the necessary capacity and frequency for service between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac,” said Cayman Airways President and CEO Fabian Whorms. “This pristine aircraft which was selected, with its low operating costs and fuel efficient engines, are expected to allow Cayman Airways to enhance our service to Cayman Brac. Despite some logistical challenges along the way, we are excited to celebrate the entry of the Saab aircraft into service and look forward to delivering that Caymankind service as only Cayman Airways can.”
Cayman Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell said the temporary lease of the Embraer had led to a 20 percent growth in Cayman Brac passengers, something he called a “testament to the potential that right-sized air service can provide.”
The newest addition to the Cayman Airways fleet is officially in service. The Saab 340 turboprop made a successful first run from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac Friday afternoon.
Cayman Airways new Saab 340 B+ received a customary salute salute upon completing its inaugural flight, taxiing under a shower of water cannons supplied by the Cayman Islands Fire Service.
“Unlike the Embreaer 120 aircraft for we have been most grateful and which the Saab is replacing, this one is ours to keep,” said Premier Alden McLaughlin, who called the acquisition of the plane a proud moment for the country.
He told Cayman 27 the 34-seater automatically doubles airlift to Cayman Brac.
“Part of this puzzle is the airport; part of the puzzle is the lift itself with the airplane, it’s driving business here, it’s a driver to the economy,” said Tourism Minister and Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell.
He told Cayman 27 the plane and the recent improvements at Charles Kirkconnell International Airport have already created 21 good paying jobs for Cayman Brac.
“Most of the people that you saw today that have taken the 21 new jobs are between the ages of 19 and 27, so it’s the group that we wanted, extremely well educated, and very good good employees,” said Mr. Kirkconnell.
Cayman Airways told Cayman 27 red tape with training and regulatory requirements pushed the inaugural flight back by six weeks, but says jumping through those hoops is a one-time deal.
“One good thing though is, once all of this is done, introducing the second Saab 340 will be nowhere as much of a challenge,” said Cayman airways CEO Fabian Whorms, alluding to plans to add a second Saab 340 to the fleet.
Mr. Whorms told Cayman 27 this Saab 340 B+ is the ideal size aircraft to run the route from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac. He said anything bigger, and they would have had to cut frequency. He told Cayman 27 the Saab 340 truly hits the sweet spot for the route.
In coming weeks, Cayman Airways will be launching their newest route, flying directly from the Brac to Holguin, Cuba.
That starts later this month.
Story and video: http://www.cayman27.com
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