99-695: Cayman Airways is the flag carrier airline of the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands . With its head office in Grand Cayman , it operates mainly as an international and domestic scheduled passenger carrier, with cargo services available on most routes. Its operations are based at Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, Grand Cayman . The company slogan is Those who fly us love us. The airline
198-408: A high bypass turbofan , which produced 22,000 lbf (98.5 kN) of thrust. The conversions also includes new nacelles and pylons built by Grumman Aerospace . Maximum takeoff weights remained the same, but there was a slight reduction in payload because of the heavier engines. Modifications to create the -71 was more involved because the -61 did not have the improved wings and relocated engines of
297-644: A public company or a state-owned enterprise , while others have been completely privatized . The aviation industry has also been gradually deregulated and liberalized, permitting greater freedoms of the air particularly in the United States and in the European Union with the signing of the Open Skies agreement. One of the features of such agreements is the right of a country to designate multiple airlines to serve international routes with
396-628: A swept wing enabled a higher cruising speed and better range. First presented in 1950 as the Model 473-60C , Boeing failed to generate any interest from airlines, yet remained confident that the project was worthwhile and pressed ahead with a prototype, the Boeing 367-80 ("Dash-80"). After spending $ 16 million of its own money to build it, the Dash-80 rolled out on May 15, 1954. During mid-1952, Douglas opted to covertly begin work on definition studies for
495-407: A "bridge" aircraft between the 737-300 and the new 737 MAX 8. Cayman Airways Express also introduced Saab 340 regional turboprop aircraft between 2015 and 2016 in tandem with the eventual planned phased retirement of the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 aircraft as a part of the overall Cayman Airways fleet modernization plan. On Wednesday 8 November 2017, the retirement process of the 737-300 began with
594-540: A MTOW of 325,000 lb (147 t). It first flew on March 14, 1966, was certified on September 2, 1966, and entered service with United Airlines in February 1967. The long-range DC-8-62 followed in April 1967, stretched by 7 ft (2.1 m), could seat up to 189 passengers over 5,200 nautical miles [nmi] (9,600 km; 6,000 mi) with a larger wing for a MTOW up to 350,000 lb (159 t). The DC-8-63 had
693-502: A commercial aircraft manufacturer, having received almost 300 orders for its piston-engine DC-6 and its successor, the DC-7, which had yet to fly. The Comet disasters, and the airlines' subsequent lack of interest in jets, seemed to validate the company's decision to remain with propeller -driven aircraft, but its inaction enabled rival manufacturers to take the lead instead. As early as 1949, rival company Boeing had started design work on
792-539: A hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic . However, from Mid 2020 through 3rd Quarter of 2021 Cayman Airways operated Repatriation flights through the Government's Travel Cayman Program. Cayman Airways returned to a reduced commercial flight schedule during the 4th Quarter of 2021. On 21 October 2021, Cayman Airways cancelled its service to La Ceiba, Honduras due to an issuance of a NOTAM that Goloson International Airport
891-486: A jet-powered transport aircraft. The company's design team examined various arrangements, including some that closely resembled the Comet. By mid-1953, the team had settled on a form similar to the final DC-8; an 80-seat, low-wing aircraft powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojet engines, 30° wing sweep, and an internal cabin diameter of 11 feet (3.35 m) to allow five-abreast seating. The use of podded engines
990-458: A large number of DC-8 early models being available, all used the same basic airframe, differing only in engines, weights and details; in contrast, the rival Boeing 707 range offered several fuselage lengths and two wingspans: the original 144-foot (44 m) 707-120, a 135-foot (41 m) version that sacrificed space to gain longer range, and the stretched 707-320, which at 153 feet (47 m) overall had 10 feet (3.0 m) more cabin space than
1089-817: A pure jet airliner. Boeing's military arm had experience with large long-range jets, such as the B-47 Stratojet and the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers. While producing and supporting these bombers for the United States Air Force (USAF), Boeing had developed a close relationship with the USAF's Strategic Air Command (SAC). The company also supplied the SAC's refueling aircraft, the piston-engined KC-97 Stratofreighters , but these proved to be too slow and low flying to easily work with
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#17327800364211188-403: A result of aging, increasing operating costs and strict noise and emissions regulations, the number of active DC-8s continues to decline, with the youngest airframes passed a half-century of age as of 2024. For domestic use, powered by 13,500 lb (60.5 kN) Pratt & Whitney JT3C -6 turbojets with water injection. First Series 10 DC-8 flew on 30 May 1958. The initial DC-8-11 model had
1287-406: A solid assurance that the aircraft is ready to safely return to the skies from the fact that all of the world's major aviation regulators and certifying authorities have given the aircraft a level of scrutiny that is unprecedented in aviation history. Cayman Airways has already completed all the aircraft modifications and improvements necessary to assure safe operation of the aircraft and we are now in
1386-521: A stop in Havana, Cuba , as well between Grand Cayman and Miami . In 1965, Cayman Brac Airways (which was also known as CBA Airways Ltd.) was operating regional services from Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, Grand Cayman , to Gerrard Smith International Airport (since renamed Charles Kirkconnell International Airport ) on Cayman Brac as well as to Little Cayman via a flag stop and also to Montego Bay, Jamaica . A weekly service with
1485-486: A strong connection to its home country or that represents its home country internationally, regardless of whether it is government-owned. Flag carriers may also be known as such due to laws requiring aircraft or ships to display the state flag of the country of their registry . For example, under the law of the United States, a U.S. flag air carrier is any airline that holds a certificate under Section 401 of
1584-502: A succession of piston-engined aircraft ( DC-2 , DC-3 , DC-4 , DC-5 , DC-6 , and DC-7 ) through the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. While de Havilland flew the world's first jet airliner, the Comet , in May 1949, Douglas initially refrained from developing a jet airliner. De Havilland's pioneering Comet entered airline service in May 1952. Initially, it appeared to be a success, but the Comet
1683-544: A twin-engine Beechcraft Model 18 aircraft was being operated on a routing of Grand Cayman – Little Cayman (flag stop only) – Cayman Brac – Montego Bay with an additional weekly service being flown between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac with an intermediate stop on occasion at Little Cayman as a flag stop. Connecting services for Grand Cayman were available to LACSA flights for services to Miami and also for Pan Am flights at Montego Bay for connecting service to Miami and New York City . Early on, Cayman Airways first aircraft
1782-460: A week between Grand Cayman and Miami as well as five flights a week between Grand Cayman and Kingston. The airline was also offering direct connecting jet service between Miami and Kingston via Grand Cayman at this time. In 1976, the airline had increased competition on the Grand Cayman - Miami route as Southern Airways and LACSA were both operating nonstop jet service on the route. By
1881-538: A weight increase to 276,000 pounds (125,190 kg). 33 DC-8-20s were built plus 16 converted DC-8-10s. This model was originally named "DC-8B" but was renamed when the Series 30 was introduced. The first Series 20 DC-8 flew on 29 November 1958 and received FAA certification on 19 January 1960. For intercontinental routes, the three Series 30 variants combined JT4A engines with a one-third increase in fuel capacity and strengthened fuselage and landing gear. The DC-8-31
1980-462: Is downgrading to a Category 6 Airport. Cayman Airways had operated the 737 MAX 8 for that route. ICAO requires airports to be Category 7 or higher for the 737 MAX 8 to operate. In March 2023, during an interview on Cayman Compass talk show 'The Resh Hour', Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms noted that they have begun the process of looking for a 3rd Twin Otter for its Express Fleet. He also noted that in
2079-481: Is located in the adjacent Cayman Islands Airport Authority property with there being more parking per square foot at the current Cayman Airways head office than in most buildings in George Town. Flag carrier A flag carrier is a transport company, such as an airline or shipping company, that, being locally registered in a given sovereign state , enjoys preferential rights or privileges accorded by
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#17327800364212178-620: Is received." Mr. Whorms also stated, "Cayman Airways is currently working in coordination with both the Boeing Corporation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) to monitor the investigation into Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302." In Late January 2021, The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) rescinded its airspace restriction for the 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This action
2277-471: Is to replace the DC-8 with a more capable and fuel-efficient Boeing 777-200ER . The DC-8 was donated to Idaho State University and is preserved at Pocatello Regional Airport . As of October 2015 , the DC-8 had been involved in 146 incidents, including 84 hull-loss accidents , with 2,255 fatalities. The DC-8 has also been involved in 46 hijackings with 2 fatalities. The deadliest incident involving
2376-600: The Cayman Islands ( Little Cayman and Cayman Brac ), and other areas of the Caribbean such as Jamaica , Cuba and Barbados ; as well as in the United States: Los Angeles , Miami , Tampa , New York City , and seasonally Denver . Central American destinations include Panama City, Panama and La Ceiba, Honduras . The Cayman Airways fleet consists of the following aircraft as of November 2024: The former Cayman Airways fleet consists of
2475-701: The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (i.e., any U.S.-based airline operating internationally), and any ship registered in the United States is known as a U.S. flag vessel . The term "flag carrier" is a legacy of the early days of commercial aviation when governments often took the lead by establishing state-owned airlines because of the high capital costs of running them. However, not all such airlines were government-owned; Pan Am , TWA , Cathay Pacific , Union de Transports Aériens , Canadian Pacific Air Lines and Olympic Airlines were all privately owned, but were considered to be flag carriers as they were
2574-479: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expressed concern about the noise to be expected from the then still-unbuilt DC-8-61, and operators had to agree to operate it from New York at lower weights to reduce noise. By the early 1970s, legislation for aircraft noise standards was being introduced in many countries, and the 60 Series DC-8s were particularly at risk of being banned from major airports. In
2673-657: The Turks & Caicos Islands . These were the only routes flown by the carrier that did not directly serve the Cayman Islands. Cayman Airways has also operated jet service into Cayman Brac with 727-200, 737-200 and 737-400 aircraft, including nonstop flights between Cayman Brac and Miami . Throughout the early 1990s, the airline struggled. According to the Official Airline Guide (OAG), in 1991 three other air carriers including American Airlines , Northwest Airlines and Pan Am were competing with Cayman Airways on
2772-531: The "main national airline" and often a sign of their country's presence abroad. The heavily regulated aviation industry also meant aviation rights are often negotiated between governments, denying airlines access to an open market. These Bilateral Air Transport Agreements similar to the Bermuda I and Bermuda II agreements specify rights awardable only to locally registered airlines, forcing some governments to jump-start airlines to avoid being disadvantaged in
2871-517: The -55 were certified in 1961. The DC-8-51, DC-8-52 and DC-8-53 all had 17,000 lb (76.1 kN) JT3D-1 or 18,000 lb (80.6 kN) JT3D-3B engines, varying mainly in their weights: 276,000 pounds (125,200 kg), 300,000 pounds (136,100 kg) and 315,000 pounds (142,900 kg) respectively. The DC-8-55 arrived in June 1964, retaining the JT3D-3B engines but with strengthened structure from
2970-496: The -62 and -63. All three models were certified in 1982 and a total of 110 60-series Super DC-8s were converted by the time the program ended in 1988. DC-8 series 70 conversions were overseen by Cammacorp with CFMI, McDonnell Douglas, and Grumman Aerospace as partners. Cammacorp was disbanded after the last aircraft was converted. As of January 2024 , two DC-8s are in commercial service with Congolese cargo airline Trans Air Cargo . These are DC-8-62s (9S-AJG and 9S-AJO). In
3069-462: The 1980s and 1990s, but some re-engined DC-8s remain in use as freighters. At the end of World War II, Douglas was a dominant North American aircraft producer in the commercial aviation market, only being rivaled by Boeing , releasing the innovative all-metal Model 247 airliner in 1933, and produced prodigious quantities of the rugged four-engined B-17 Flying Fortress and sophisticated, pressurized long-range B-29 Superfortress . Douglas produced
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3168-464: The 1980s, Cayman Airways offered scheduled or charter service to Atlanta , Baltimore , Boston , Chicago , Detroit , Houston , Minneapolis , Newark , New York City , Philadelphia and St. Louis as well as Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica . In addition, Panama City, Panama was served at one point. The airline also flew between Miami and Grand Turk Island as well as Providenciales in
3267-402: The 556 DC-8s made, around 200 were still in commercial service in 2002, including about 25 50-Series, 82 of the stretched 60-Series, and 96 out of the 110 re-engined 70-Series. Most of the surviving DC-8s are now used as freighters. In May 2009, 97 DC-8s were in service following UPS's decision to retire its remaining fleet of 44. In January 2013, an estimated 36 DC-8s were in use worldwide. As
3366-497: The American Douglas Aircraft Company . Work began in 1952 towards the United States Air Force 's (USAF) requirement for a jet-powered aerial refueling tanker . After losing the USAF's tanker competition to the rival Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in May 1954, Douglas announced in June 1955 its derived jetliner project marketed to civil operators. In October 1955, Pan Am made the first order along with
3465-562: The CFM56 was up to 23% more fuel-efficient than the JT3D, which reduced operating costs and extended the range. The largest single customer for the Series 70 was United, converting 29 of its Series 61 airliners at a reported cost of $ 400 million. By 2002, of the 1,032 Boeing 707s and 720s manufactured for commercial use, just 80 remained in service – though many of those 707s were converted for USAF use, either in service or for spare parts. Of
3564-662: The Chief Pilot of Cayman Airways at the time, and the modified Sir Turtle became the airline's new logo. Cayman Airways corporate office is located in George Town and is located at 91 Owen Roberts Drive almost opposite the Cayman Airways aircraft maintenance facility located at 54 Owen Roberts Drive. Owen Roberts Drive is the main road leading to the Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman. The Cayman Airways corporate office
3663-506: The Comet remained grounded, the French 90-passenger twin jet Sud Aviation Caravelle prototype had just flown for the first time, and the Boeing 707 was not expected to be available until late 1958. The major airlines were reluctant to commit themselves to the huge financial and technical challenges of jet aircraft; however, none could afford not to buy jets if their competitors did. There
3762-537: The DC-8, a feat that was eased by its fuselage keeping the same dimensions across its length. In April 1965, the company announced belated fuselage stretches for the DC-8 with three new models known as the Super Sixties . The DC-8 program had been in danger of closing with fewer than 300 aircraft sold, but the Super Sixties brought fresh life to it. By the time production of the DC-8 ceased in 1972, 262 of
3861-402: The DC-8. Douglas' refusal to offer different fuselage sizes made it less adaptable and compelled airlines such as Delta and United to look elsewhere for short to medium range types. Delta ordered Convair 880s while United chose the newly developed short-fuselage 707-020. United prevailed on Boeing to rename the new variant the Boeing 720 in case the public thought they were dissatisfied with
3960-530: The DC-8. In 1956, Air India, BOAC , Lufthansa , Qantas , and TWA added over 50 to the 707 order book, while Douglas sold 22 DC-8s to Delta, Swissair, TAI, Trans Canada , and UAT. By the start of 1958, Douglas had sold 133 DC-8s compared to Boeing's 150 707s. Donald Douglas proposed to build and test the DC-8 at Santa Monica Airport , which had been the birthplace of the DC-3 and home to a Douglas plant that employed 44,000 workers during World War II. To accommodate
4059-510: The DC-8. Pan Am never reordered the DC-8 and Douglas gradually lost market share to Boeing. In 1962, DC-8 sales dropped to just 26 aircraft that year, followed by 21 in 1963 and 14 in 1964; many of these later deliveries were of the Jet Trader model rather than the more-prestigious passenger versions. In 1967, Douglas merged with McDonnell Aircraft , becoming McDonnell Douglas . During the early 1960s, Douglas began considering stretching
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4158-488: The Grand Cayman - Miami route with a combined total of 41 nonstop jet flights a week being operated by the four airlines. Financial assistance from the Cayman Islands Government as well as financial re-structuring plus newer, more modern aircraft and the addition of new destinations such as Chicago , Dallas / Fort Worth and Havana were beneficial for the airline at the time. In 2005, Cayman Airways
4257-673: The Super Sixties had been completed, almost half of all models produced. With the ability to seat 269 passengers, the DC-8 Series 61 and 63 had the largest passenger-carrying capacity available. That remained so until the Boeing 747 arrived in 1970. The DC-8-62 featured a shorter fuselage when compared with the Series 61 and 63, but was capable of nonstop long-range operations. All of the earlier jetliners were relatively noisy by modern standards. Increasing traffic densities and changing public attitudes led to complaints about aircraft noise and moves to introduce restrictions. As early as 1966
4356-483: The U.S, the DC-8 has been retired from commercial service entirely; only one example maintains active registration (with one flying). Samaritan's Purse (a faith-based humanitarian relief organization) has operated a DC-8-72 Combi (acquired from Air Transport International ) since 2015. In 2024, NASA retired N817NA, a DC-8-72 flying laboratory that has supported research in meteorology, oceanography, geography, and various other scientific disciplines since 1986. NASA
4455-421: The air. Just four months after issuing the tanker requirement, the USAF ordered the first 29 KC-135 Stratotankers from Boeing. Donald Douglas was reportedly shocked by the rapidity of the decision which, he claimed, had been made before the competing companies even had time to complete their bids. He protested to Washington, but without success. Having already started on the DC-8 project, Douglas decided that
4554-456: The aircraft and the Airline are in full compliance with all safety-related requirements. Once the new aircraft enters service, it will be operated and maintained to the highest standards, with our usual and unwavering commitment to safety." In mid-November, the airline's first 737 MAX 8 was painted in the company's colors. Further test flights took place after the aircraft had its paint job. By
4653-403: The aircraft's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), as well as other key safety changes aimed at preventing further accidents. On 10 February 2021, a press conference with Cayman Airways CEO and other key personnel announced the ungrounding of its own 737 MAX 8 aircraft and a “Return To Service (RTS)” plan to reestablish the aircraft back into service. The press conference gave
4752-526: The airline replaced its two BAC One-Eleven jets with Boeing 727-200 aircraft strengthening the airline's regional and international capability and also allowed for the introduction of first-class service. Cayman Airways also operated a single Douglas DC-8-52 and a leased Boeing 727-100 during the 1980s. These aircraft were eventually replaced with Boeing 737-200 jets which in turn were then subsequently replaced with Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Boeing 737-400 jetliners were previously operated as well. During
4851-451: The airline statement, Cayman Airways CEO and president Fabian Whorms stated "I can give a full assurance that our new aircraft will not be delivered or accepted unless it has thoroughly passed all required post-production flight and ground tests successfully. Cayman Airways operates within the strict parameters of a comprehensive and robust Safety Management System and our new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will enter passenger service only after both
4950-519: The beginning of March, and its handover to airline and delivery flight to Cayman Airways at Owen Roberts International Airport on 6 and 7 March. The third 737 MAX 8 aircraft is expected to be produced and delivered by September 2019. The last of the four 737 MAX 8 that was ordered by the airline is expected to be delivered in September 2020. On 2 March 2019 started with its inaugural Service to Denver, Colorado . This new service (flight number KX 442)
5049-403: The best option was to press on than abandon the project. Following consultations with the airlines, several design changes were made, such as the fuselage being widened by 15 inches (38 cm) to permit six-abreast seating, which in turn led to larger wings and tail surfaces being adopted along with a lengthening of the fuselage. The existence of the DC-8 was formally announced on 7 June 1955; at
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#17327800364215148-601: The competing Boeing 707 , and many other airlines soon followed. The first DC-8 was rolled out in Long Beach Airport on April 9, 1958, and flew for the first time on May 30. Following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in August 1959, the DC-8 entered service with Delta Air Lines on September 18. Permitting six-abreast seating, the four-engined , low-wing jet aircraft was initially produced in four 151 ft (46 m) long variants. The DC-8-10
5247-403: The early 1970s, several airlines approached McDonnell Douglas with requests for noise reduction modifications to their DC-8s. While third parties had developed aftermarket hushkits , there was initially no meaningful action taken by Douglas to fulfil these requests and effectively enable the DC-8 to remain in service. Finally, in 1975, General Electric began discussions with major airlines to fit
5346-407: The end of November, the aircraft had completed all of the required post-production tests and ready for delivery. The first aircraft was handed over to the airline on 29 November 2018 and delivered to Cayman Airways at Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman , Cayman Islands on 30 November 2018. The second 737 MAX 8 aircraft, completed all it required test flights and had its paint job at
5445-421: The face of foreign competition. Some countries also establish flag carriers such as Israel 's El Al or Lebanon 's Middle East Airlines for nationalist reasons or to aid the country's economy, particularly in the area of tourism. In many cases, governments would directly assist in the growth of their flag carriers typically through subsidies and other fiscal incentives. The establishment of competitors in
5544-653: The first aircraft being phased out. On Monday 27 August 2018, Cayman Airways announced in a press conference that the airline was adding Denver, Colorado (DEN) to its list of gateways. Cayman Airways also stated that this flight will be the longest scheduled commercial flight the airline has ever operated. Cayman Airways was planning to operate these seasonal five-hour nonstop flights from Grand Cayman to Denver twice weekly starting 2 March 2019, until August and then resume service in December 2019. The airline stated it would be operating its new 737 MAX 8 on this service. During
5643-450: The first of the airline's new 737 MAX 8 aircraft accomplished its first major test flight. Shortly after the first test flight of the airline's first 737 MAX 8, Cayman Airways issued a statement about the safety of the new aircraft and its acceptance into the airline after concerns loomed due to a crash of an aircraft of the same model operated by Lion Air in Asia ( Lion Air Flight 610 ). In
5742-408: The first time, in Series 10 form, on 30 May for two hours and seven minutes with the crew being led by A.G. Heimerdinger. Later that year, an enlarged version of the Comet finally returned to service, but had arrived too late to secure a substantial portion of the market: de Havilland secured just 25 orders. In August, Boeing had begun delivering 707s to Pan Am. Douglas made a massive effort to close
5841-519: The following aircraft (as of October 2021): The company's mascot is an embellishment of the original Sir Turtle designed by Suzy Soto. As first designed, Sir Turtle did not have the red flying scarf. That original design was used on baggage stickers by Cayman Islands Customs and also became the logo of the Department of Tourism which was then headed by Eric Bergstrom. The red flying scarf was later added to Sir Turtle in 1978 by Capt. Wilbur Thompson,
5940-406: The form of other locally registered airlines may be prohibited or heavily regulated to avoid direct competition. Even where privately run airlines may be allowed to be established, the flag carriers may still be accorded priority, especially in the apportionment of aviation rights to local or international markets. Near the end of the 20th century, many of these airlines have been corporatized as
6039-444: The freighter versions and 325,000-pound (147,420 kg) maximum weight. 142 DC-8-50s were built plus the 20 converted from Series 10/30/40. The Series 50 first flew on 20 December 1960 and received FAA certification on 1 May 1961. The DC-8-71, DC-8-72, and DC-8-73 were straightforward conversions of the -61, -62 and -63 primarily involving the replacement of the JT3D engines with the more fuel-efficient CFM International CFM56 -2,
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#17327800364216138-456: The gap with Boeing, using no fewer than ten aircraft for flight testing to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for the first of the many DC-8 variants in August 1959. Several modifications proved to be necessary: the original air brakes on the lower rear fuselage were found to be ineffective and were deleted as engine thrust reversers had become available; unique leading-edge slots were added to improve low-speed lift;
6237-402: The government for international operations. Historically, the term was used to refer to airlines owned by the government of their home country and associated with the national identity of that country. Such an airline may also be known as a national airline or a national carrier , although this can have different legal meanings in some countries. Today, it is any international airline with
6336-478: The jet airliner project, it believed that the USAF tanker contract would go to two companies for two different aircraft, as several USAF transport contracts in the past had done. In May 1954, the USAF circulated its requirement for 800 jet tankers to Boeing, Douglas, Convair , Fairchild Aircraft , Lockheed Corporation , and Martin Marietta . At the time, Boeing was only two months away from having its prototype in
6435-410: The late 1970s, Cayman Airways had commenced its second nonstop route to the United States with service between Grand Cayman and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport operated with a BAC One-Eleven series 500. In 1979, an additional BAC One-Eleven jet, as well as a Hawker Siddeley 748 turboprop and a Britten-Norman Trislander prop aircraft were purchased and added to the fleet. In 1982,
6534-402: The later DC-8-50 and Super 60 (DC-8-61, -62, and -63) as well as freighter versions, and reached a MTOW of 325,000 lb (147 t). A stretched DC-8 variant was not initially considered, leading some airlines to order the competing Boeing 707 instead. The improved Series 60 was announced in April 1965. The DC-8-61 was stretched by 36 ft (11 m) for 180–220 seats in mixed-class and
6633-486: The long fuselage and the enlarged wing, freighters MTOW reached 355,000 lb (161 t). The DC-8 was produced until 1972 with 556 aircraft built; it was superseded by larger wide-body airliners including Douglas' DC-10 trijet. Noise concerns stimulated demand for a quieter variant; from 1975, Douglas and General Electric offered the Series 70 retrofit, powered by the quieter and more fuel-efficient CFM56 turbofan engine. It largely exited passenger service during
6732-581: The matter rested until October 1955, when Pan American World Airways placed simultaneous orders with Boeing for 20 707s and Douglas for 25 DC-8s. To buy one expensive and untried jet-powered aircraft type was brave: to buy both was, at the time, unheard of. In the closing months of 1955, other airlines rushed to follow suit: Air France , American Airlines, Braniff International Airways , Continental Airlines , and Sabena ordered 707s; United Airlines , National Airlines , KLM , Eastern Air Lines , Japan Air Lines , and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) chose
6831-549: The near future they may look at replacing its Saab 340B+ fleet, he also stated “Ideally, we’d like that whatever we replace it with be something that can also fulfil the mission that the Twin Otters currently fulfil for us. But that’s dependent as to what happens with the Little Cayman aerodrome.” On 24 July 2023, a joint press briefing with Government Ministers from Barbados and Cayman Islands as well as Cayman Airways
6930-409: The new and vastly-quieter Franco-American CFM56 engine to both DC-8s and 707s. MDC remained reluctant but eventually came on board in the late 1970s and helped develop the Series 70. The Super Seventies proved to be a great success, being roughly 70% quieter than the 60 Series and, at the time of their introduction, the world's quietest four-engined airliner. As well as being quieter and more powerful,
7029-459: The new jet bombers. The B-52, in particular, had to descend from its cruising altitude and then slow almost to its stall speed to refuel from the KC-97. Believing that a requirement for a jet-powered tanker was a certainty, Boeing started work on a new jet aircraft for this role that could be adapted into an airliner. As an airliner, it would have similar seating capacity to the Comet, but the use of
7128-427: The new jet, Douglas asked the city of Santa Monica, California to lengthen the airport's 5,000-foot (1,500-meter) runway. Following complaints by neighboring residents, the city refused, so Douglas moved its airliner production line to Long Beach Airport . In September 1956, production of the first prototype commenced. The first DC-8 N8008D was rolled out of the new Long Beach factory on 9 April 1958 and flew for
7227-528: The original wingtips used on the prototype, and all remaining DC-8 Series 10 aircraft were upgraded to DC-8-12 standard. The DC-8-12 featured the new low-drag wingtips and leading-edge slots , 80 inches long between the engines on each wing and 34 inches long inboard of the inner engines. These unique devices were covered by doors on the upper and lower wing surfaces that opened for low-speed flight and closed for cruise. The maximum weight increased from 265,000 to 273,000 pounds (120,200 to 123,800 kg). This model
7326-400: The press conference on 27 August 2018, it was also mentioned that other destinations are also being considered. Destinations such as Los Angeles , San Francisco , and Vancouver, B.C. may be served in the future with the new 737 MAX 8 with other possible destinations under consideration including London , England (via a stop in Bermuda ) and Brazil. However, these new services would require
7425-580: The process of implementing several final measures, many of which are above and beyond the prescribed requirements. The 737 MAX 8 aircraft for the airline is expected to be fully operational beginning in Mid February. In Early February 2021, the Cayman Islands Pilots Association (CAPA) issued a statement regarding the reentry of the 737 MAX 8 aircraft. CAPA stating "The B737-8 is one of the safest planes to fly on". During
7524-497: The prototype was 25 kn (46 km/h) short of its promised cruising speed and a new, slightly larger wingtip had to be developed to reduce drag . Also, a recontoured wing leading edge was later developed to extend the chord 4% and reduce drag at high Mach numbers. On August 21, 1961, a DC-8 broke the sound barrier at Mach 1.012 (660 mph/1,062 km/h) while in a controlled dive through 41,000 feet (12,497 m) and maintained that speed for 16 seconds. The flight
7623-525: The result that there is no single "flag carrier". The chart below lists airlines considered to be a "flag carrier", based on current or former state ownership or other verifiable designation as a national airline. Minority (20.05%) in the Lufthansa Group acquired in 2020 was sold in 2022. Douglas DC-8#Series 50 The Douglas DC-8 (sometimes McDonnell Douglas DC-8 ) is an early long-range narrow-body jetliner designed and produced by
7722-574: The runway at Owen Roberts International Airport to be lengthened. This runway lengthening project is expected to occur within the next several years. In October 2018 the first of the airlines 737 MAX 8 aircraft was on the final assembly line at the Boeing Renton Factory in Renton, Washington . The second 737 MAX 8 aircraft for the airline was on the assembly line at Boeing Renton Factory late January early February. On 8 November 2018
7821-460: The time of the announcement, the development costs had been forecast to be roughly $ 450 million. Four versions were offered to begin with, all with the same 150-foot-6-inch (45.87 m) long airframe with a 141-foot-1-inch (43.00 m) wingspan, but varying in engines and fuel capacity, and with maximum weights of about 240,000–260,000 lb (109–118 metric tons). Douglas steadfastly refused to offer different fuselage sizes. The maiden flight
7920-414: The week of the 10 February Cayman Airways Press Conference, Cayman Airways announce public viewing and walkthrough of the newly upgraded 737 MAX 8 aircraft and watch some of the operational test flights at Owen Roberts International Airport and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport over the weekend. Between 1st half 2020 to 2nd half of 2021 Cayman Airways like many airlines around the world had taken
8019-483: Was a single Douglas DC-3 . A few months after it was formed, the airline flew its first international route to Kingston, Jamaica , operating five times a week using a BAC One-Eleven twin jet wet-leased from LACSA . International services to Miami were operated eight times a week using a single leased Douglas DC-6 propliner. By the winter of 1973, Cayman Airways was operating stretched BAC One-Eleven series 500 aircraft on both of its jet routes with seventeen flights
8118-485: Was accompanied to altitude by a F-104 Starfighter supersonic chase aircraft flown by Chuck Yeager . On September 18, 1959, the DC-8 entered service with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. According to the Delta Air Lines website, the air carrier was the first to operate the DC-8 in scheduled passenger service. By March 1960, Douglas had reached its planned production rate of eight DC-8s per month. Despite
8217-784: Was certified in March 1960 with 16,800 lb (75.2 kN) JT4A-9 engines for 300,000-pound (136,080 kg) maximum takeoff weight. The DC-8-32 was similar but allowed 310,000-pound (140,600 kg) weight. The DC-8-33 of November 1960 substituted 17,500 lb (78.4 kN) JT4A-11 turbojets, a modification to the flap linkage to allow a 1.5° setting for more efficient cruise, stronger landing gear, and 315,000-pound (142,880 kg) maximum weight. Many -31 and -32 DC-8s were upgraded to this standard. A total of 57 DC-8-30s were produced (five of which were later upgraded to DC-8-50 standard). The Series 30 DC-8 first flew on 21 February 1959 and received FAA certification on 1 February 1960. The DC-8-40
8316-735: Was done following clearance by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the end of 2020 and approval in January 2021 by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Officials explained that the decision follows the approval of extensive modifications to the design of the aircraft, to how it is flown, and to pilot training. This includes modifications to
8415-480: Was due in early 1961. The DC-8-41 and DC-8-42 had weights of 300,000 and 310,000 pounds (140,000 and 140,000 kg) respectively, the 315,000-pound (142,880 kg) DC-8-43 had the 1.5° flap setting of the -33 and introduced a 4% leading-edge wing extension to reduce drag and increase fuel capacity slightly – the new wing improved range by 8%, lifting capacity by 6,600 lb (3 metric tons), and cruising speed by better than 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). It
8514-405: Was essentially the -30 but with 17,500 lb (78.4 kN) Rolls-Royce Conway 509 turbofan engines for better efficiency, less noise and less smoke. The Conway was an improvement over the turbojets that preceded it, but the Series 40 sold poorly because of the traditional reluctance of U.S. airlines to buy a foreign product and because the still-more-advanced Pratt & Whitney JT3D turbofan
8613-509: Was established and started operations on 7 August 1968. It was formed following the Cayman Islands Government's purchase of 51% of Cayman Brac Airways which had been founded in 1955, from LACSA , the Costa Rican flag carrier, and became wholly government-owned in December 1977. LACSA had been serving Grand Cayman since the mid-1950s as an intermediate stop on its route between San José, Costa Rica , and Miami with some flights also making
8712-416: Was grounded in 1954 after two fatal accidents which were subsequently attributed to rapid metal fatigue failure of the pressure cabin. Various aircraft manufacturers benefited from the findings and experiences gained from the investigation into Comet losses; specifically, Douglas paid significant attention to detail in the design of the DC-8's pressurized cabin. By 1952, Douglas had continued its success as
8811-569: Was held. During the briefing they introduced a twice weekly Direct service to Barbados, this introducing the airline to Eastern Caribbean markets and by way of Barbados extending out to more European Markets. In addition to Barbados announcement, they announced expanding an additional two Los Angeles flights. This came nearly a Month after Cayman Airways restarted to flights to Panama. On 17 November 2024, Cayman Airways obtains it 3rd Twin Otter for its Express Fleet. Cayman Airways currently serves thirteen destinations. These destinations are located in
8910-413: Was housed in the former Sammy's Airport Inn. Another previous Cayman Airways offices were damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The Cayman Islands government purchased Sammy's Airport Inn for $ 2.85 million United States dollars . The fit-out, including the furniture, was completed for $ 3 million U.S. with the valuation of the property estimated at 6.76 million U.S. as of June 2007. Parking for the head office
9009-445: Was in service and proving popular with passengers and airlines: it was faster, quieter, and more comfortable than piston-engined types. Another British rival was the 90-seat Bristol Britannia , and Douglas's main rival in the large airliner market, Lockheed Corporation , had committed to the short to medium range 80–100-seat turboprop Electra , with a launch order from American Airlines for 35 and other orders flowing in. Meanwhile,
9108-562: Was operated with the airline's new 737 MAX 8. On 10 March 2019, Cayman Airways issued a statement about the temporary suspension of the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft after further concerns increased due to a second crash of the aircraft type operated by Ethiopian Airlines in Africa. In the airline statement Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms stated: "We have taken the decision to suspend operations of both our new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, effective from Monday 11 March 2019, until more information
9207-621: Was originally named "DC-8A" until the series 30 was introduced. 30 DC-8-10s were built: 23 for United and six for Delta, plus the prototype. By the mid-sixties, United had converted 16 of its 21 surviving aircraft to DC-8-20 standard and the other five to -50s. Delta converted its six to DC-8-50s. The prototype was itself also converted to a DC-8-50. It received FAA certification on 31 August 1958, entering service with United Airlines and Delta Air Lines on 18 September 1959. Higher-powered 15,800 lb (70.8 kN) thrust Pratt & Whitney JT4A -3 turbojets (without water injection) allowed
9306-404: Was planned for December 1957, with entry into revenue service in 1959. Aware that the program was lagging behind Boeing, Douglas began a major marketing push to promote its new jetliner. Douglas' previous thinking about the airliner market seemed to be coming true; the transition to turbine power looked likely to be to turboprops rather than turbojets. The pioneering 40–60-seat Vickers Viscount
9405-491: Was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojets, and had a 273,000 lb (124 t) MTOW ; the DC-8-20 had more powerful JT4A turbojets, for a 276,000 lb (125 t) MTOW. The intercontinental models had more fuel capacity, and had an MTOW of up to 315,000 lb (143 t); it was powered by JT4As for the Series 30, and by Rolls-Royce Conway turbofans for the Series 40. The Pratt & Whitney JT3D powered
9504-407: Was seen as highly beneficial for maintenance purposes as well as to increase wing volume for accommodating fuel. The fuselage featured a double-bubble cross-section that produced relatively low drag while providing for a relatively spacious passenger cabin along with a large cargo deck that was sufficiently tall as to permit ground crews to stand up within it. While Douglas remained lukewarm about
9603-410: Was the only airline operating nonstop service from Grand Cayman to Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) with a weekly 737 flight. In 2016, it was announced that four new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft would be introduced between late 2018 and 2020 thus allowing for the eventual retirement of the 737-300 aircraft currently operated by the airline. The airline has also added one 737-800 as an interim measure as
9702-614: Was to collect data on a new leading edge design for the wing, and, while doing so, the DC-8 became the first civilian jet – and the first jet airliner – to make a supersonic flight. The aircraft was DC-8-43 registered as CF-CPG , later delivered to Canadian Pacific Air Lines . The aircraft, crewed by Captain William Magruder, First Officer Paul Patten, Flight Engineer Joseph Tomich and Flight Test Engineer Richard Edwards, took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California and
9801-469: Was used on all later DC-8s. The first DC-8-40 was delivered in 1960; 32 were built (of which three would eventually be converted to DC-8-50s). The Series 40 DC-8 first flew on 23 July 1959 and received FAA certification on 24 March 1960. The definitive short-fuselage DC-8 came with the same engine that powered the vast majority of 707s, the JT3D . Twenty earlier DC-8s were converted to this standard. All but
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