Tag: cayman islands

Owen Roberts International Airport plays a pivotal role in serving Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, and is a significant hub for Cayman Airways. Named in honor of Wing Commander Owen Roberts, a pioneer in Cayman’s commercial aviation, this airport serves as one of the main entry points to the Cayman Islands. Historically, it boasted a unique open-air observation “waving gallery,” but this feature was closed in January 2017 due to reconstruction.

Wing Commander Owen Roberts, a former Royal Air Force Wing Commander during World War II, founded Caribbean International Airways (CIA) after his retirement. Under his leadership, CIA initiated regular flight services between Grand Cayman and destinations like Tampa, Florida; Kingston, Jamaica; and British Honduras (now Belize). Roberts played a pivotal role in advocating for airfields on all three Cayman Islands. Construction began in 1952, resulting in the establishment of a 5,000 ft runway and a terminal on Grand Cayman. Tragically, Wing Commander Roberts lost his life in a plane crash in 1953, and the airport was later named in his honor.

Over the years, Owen Roberts International Airport has undergone expansion projects, including renovations to the departure hall, passport control, and customs hall, and enhancements to car parks and pick-up/drop-off locations. The airport is a key point of entry for travelers to the Cayman Islands and holds a significant place in the country’s aviation history.

Sir Captain Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (IATA: CYB, ICAO: MWCB) is a vital gateway to Cayman Brac, one of the stunning Cayman Islands. As the sole airport serving Cayman Brac, it plays a crucial role in connecting this picturesque island to other parts of the Cayman Islands and beyond. The airport is a hub for Cayman Airways, offering convenient connections to Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman and Edward Bodden Airfield on Little Cayman.

The airport’s runway is strategically located on the southwestern tip of Cayman Brac, running parallel to the beautiful south shoreline. The approach and departures provide passengers with breathtaking views of the surrounding waters. To aid navigation, the Cayman Brac non-directional beacon (Ident: CBC) is positioned just 1.0 nautical mile off the approach threshold of Runway 27.

In honor of Captain Charles Leonard Kirkconnell, a highly regarded local businessman with deep ties to the Sister Islands, the airport was renamed Charles Kirkconnell International Airport. This renaming pays tribute to his significant contributions to the community and the enduring legacy he left behind. The airport stands as a vital transportation link, connecting visitors and residents alike to the natural beauty and charm of Cayman Brac.

Edward Bodden Airfield, also known as Little Cayman Airport, is a charming airfield situated on the picturesque Little Cayman, one of the beautiful Cayman Islands. Nestled on the southwest side of the island, this airport offers a unique flying experience with its runway paralleling the stunning south shoreline. Travelers arriving at or departing from this airfield are treated to breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters that surround the island. The runway’s total length includes a 180-meter (590-foot) displaced threshold on Runway 28, ensuring safe and efficient aircraft operations.

For navigational assistance, the Cayman Brac non-directional beacon, which was once located 13.2 nautical miles east of the airport on Cayman Brac Island, served as a valuable reference point for pilots. However, in 2021, it was decommissioned and replaced with the BRACC airway intersection, reflecting advancements in modern aviation technology.

Besides its operational features, Edward Bodden Airfield boasts a 75-foot (23-meter) free span airplane hangar, constructed in 1970 by Ryan Construction of Cayman Brac for Dolphin Limited under the guidance of General Manager Richard Bennett. This hangar stands as a testament to the island’s commitment to aviation and its connection to the local community.