(CMR) Cayman Airways has received approval from the United States Department of Transport to operate a non-stop service between Grand Cayman and Los Angeles International Airport. The new Grand Cayman to Los Angeles route will begin on Saturday 5th November and will offer 160 seats on each flight.
Minister of Tourism Kenneth Bryan said this new route would bring benefits both from a tourism and business perspective. He also stated that the timing of the route in early November is a strategic decision that we believe will be instrumental for success.
“Our tourism industry is in the recovery phase following the pandemic. Although air arrivals are trending in the right direction, increasing month over month, there is still a long way to go till we get back to pre-pandemic levels,” he said.
“There is no question that a direct service between Grand Cayman and Los Angeles presents a lucrative opportunity for Cayman Airways and the Cayman Islands, to increase stayover visitation,” Minister Bryan stated.
In May, Cayman Airways asked US Authorities to consider granting additional routes under the new US – UK Open Skies Agreement.
Mr. Bryan said this service marks the achievement of a significant milestone, fulfilling his Ministry's goal to tap into new markets and grow visitation outside of the usual source markets and aligning with Broad Outcome 10 of the government's strategic policy statement. Broad Outcome 10's objectives include expanding into emerging and secondary tourism markets, marketing to high-net-worth visitors, and expanding Cayman Airways routes.
“This new service fulfills all of those objectives, and once it becomes operational, it will be a game-changer for our destination. By opening up the Western United States, we will be making it easier for travelers from Los Angeles and other feeder markets such as San Francisco and Seattle to have easier access to the Cayman Islands,” Mr. Bryan stated.
He said this new route would also enhance air connectivity for travelers from Asia and Australia, opening up Cayman to even more markets.
“And because Cayman Airways will be the only Caribbean airline providing a direct service from LAX Airport, we have an ideal opportunity to capture the attention of travelers, encourage them to visit our shores, and give them such a wonderful experience that they become loyal, repeat visitors to our destination,” the Minister added.
He further stated that LAX consistently ranks among the top five busiest airports in the world and provides excellent connectivity.
“Los Angeles is the undisputed hub for the entertainment industry and is home to some of the most famous studios in the world. Bringing the Cayman Islands closer to Los Angeles in this way will help accelerate Cayman's film industry by providing a direct channel to Hollywood – along with facilitating business-to-business growth opportunities in financial services, technology, healthcare, fashion and the arts,” Mr. Bryan stated.
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