GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC—The central opposition People’s Progressive Party Movement (PPM) has called on the government to provide a detailed report on any financial losses the national carrier, Cayman Airways (CAL), incurred with the end of the short-lived route to Barbados.
In a statement, Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart called for “transparency regarding the costs associated with starting, operating, and terminating the route, including any expenses related to canceling contracts with handling agents in Barbados.”
Speaking on Radio Cayman this week, McTaggart said he was aware that Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., which had asked for the route, had guaranteed to cover Cayman Airways’ costs. However, he said he believed the motivation on Cayman’s side to attract European travelers here via Barbados was “pie in the sky.”
Given that planes were taking off with less than 24% occupancy and, on some occasions, virtually empty, McTaggart said the opposition would ask parliamentary questions in June about whether or not Cayman Airways had been properly paid.
He also raised concerns about whether the diversion of the aircraft to the Eastern Caribbean, especially as it was an overnight route, impacted more profitable gateways or those that could have attracted visitors.
Following the route’s launch, the opposition said that Cayman Airways and the government should consider more profitable routes for the national airline and consider the Cayman Islands over Barbados.
He said he supported the Los Angeles route and urged CAL to maintain the second weekly flight to LAX, which had been introduced to pair with the Barbados fight. He said that route should be given a chance to grow. However, he welcomed the fight’s cancellation to Barbados, which would never be profitable.
“While improving the air links to our sister Caribbean Islands may be helpful, this cannot take priority over Cayman Airways’ role in servicing the air travel needs of Caymanians, residents, and visitors to the Cayman Islands,” McTaggart said.
He said the opposition remained committed to holding the government accountable and advocating for responsible decision-making that prioritizes the Cayman Islands’ interests and its people.
Barbados Tourism Marketing ended its deal with Cayman Airways because of the route’s poor performance and because other airlines have increased the number of flights to Barbados over the last few months, bringing in more visitors.
The destination was added to CAL’s itinerary last October and will end in July. The airline has yet to say what new route will likely replace the Barbados flight.
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