Cayman Airways Celebrates 40 Year Tampa Milestone

By Stuart Wilson

The national carrier of the Cayman Islands, Cayman Airways, celebrated 40 years of direct service to Tampa, Florida at the Tampa International Airport on 15th December.

The occasion was marked by promotional giveaways by the airline and speeches at the gate by dignitaries from the Cayman Islands, as well as representatives from the airport.

Cayman Islands Tourism Minister and Deputy Premier, the Honorable Burns Rutty pointed out the significance of the occasion and revealed a personal family connection to the airline and the route.

“It is truly an honour to be here celebrating this remarkable milestone.

“40 years of friendship, memories, economic growth and countless journeys that have brought our two communities closer together than ever before,” said Mr. Rutty.

“…For many Caymanians, including myself, Tampa has always been more than a destination. It is a familiar place where Caymanians have traveled for education, medical care, shopping and weekend getaways.” he added.

The Miinister said Caymanians are always happy to return to Tampa knowing that Cayman Airways will always take them back safely to their shores. Conversely, he said the Cayman Islands have become a favourite home away from home for Floridians. 

“Over the years, thousands of visitors from Tampa have discovered the beauty of our beaches, the warmth of our people and the unmistakable feeling of ‘Cayman kindness’ found only within our shores.

“For four decades the partnership between Cayman and Tampa has supported small businesses, strengthened Cayman’s tourism industry and opened doors for cultural exchange,” said Mr. Rutty. 

He said though this was the case, the route has been more about forging deep and genuine lasting connections than convenience.

“Families have been reunited, students have pursued their dreams and businesses on both sides have grown because Cayman Airways has been committed to serving this vital link. The past 40 yeas have taught us that when Cayman Airways builds an airbridge, it is safe, dependable, well supported and built to endure,” noted Minister Rutty.

On a personal note, he added that in 1938 his mother made her first trip to Tampa on board a schooner at the age of 6.

Years later, in 1968, she was instrumental in the formation of Cayman Airways and wrote a document of approximately 120 pages on a manual typewriter to what was then the FAA requesting permission for Cayman Airways to commence service to the USA.

“It warms my heart to see how much we have progressed from those early days and my dear mom would also be overjoyed and very proud of what we’ve established with this partnership here today,” he remarked.

In 1954 Mr. Rutty’s father attended the University of South Florida in Tampa.

“The historical connection between the Cayman Islands and Tampa runs deep and as Minister of Tourism I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has played a role in sustaining this route; from the visionaries who launched it in 1985 to the pilots, flight crews, engineers, ground staff,” he said. 

Minister Rutty also thanked the community in Tampa for welcoming Cayman Airways and for continuing  to believe in the value of the partnership.

“Thank you for being a part of our story and allowing us to be a part of yours. Today is not just a celebration of what we’ve accomplished but a chance to look ahead with optimism and ambition because while 40 years is a tremendous achievement, we look forward to another 40 years and far beyond, a deeper and greater partnership, increased connectivity and shared success.”

He noted that as the Minister for tourism he remains committed to the route and to expanding opportunities for both leisure and business travelers to ensure that Cayman Airways remains a symbol of reliability, national pride and world-class service.

In paying homage to the National Carrier Mr. Rutty said, “To Cayman Airways: May your wings continue to carry our people, our culture and our values with pride and to all the passengers who have travelled this route over the past four decades, we could not have achieved this wonderful milestone without your support.

“As we honour the past, embrace the present and boldly shape the future together, may the next 40 years be brighter,” he added.

Retired Captain and now Deputy Chairman of Cayman Airways, Kris Bergstrom  told the  audience at the gate that even long before Cayman Airways had taken to the skies, Caymanians were in Tampa putting down their roots along the gulf coast as seafarers etched out a second home for many Caymanian families.

“The Tampa route made those connections easier, faster and stronger,” said Mr. Bergstrom, who noted that the route was the third international route launched by Tampa International Airport, and was a testament to both the foresight of the airport and importance of the Cayman Islands as an international partner.

The route has quickly become one that Caymanians have embraced, not just for travel but for leisure, business and discovery.

Over time the Cayman Islands has become Tampa’s premier Caribbean destination introducing travelers to crystal clear waters, warm hospitality and the vibrant culture of the Islands.

Tampa International Airport officials noted that the relationship illustrates how important it has been not only for the airport but for the entire Tampa Bay community.

“Tampa ships over 350 million dollars worth of goods to Cayman each and every year and over the past year approximately  17,000 visitors from the Tampa Bay Area visited the Cayman Islands,” noted Tampa International Airport CEO, Mr. Michael Stephens.