Cayman’s newest airline delays launch
BlueSky Airlines
(CNS Business): The take-off of a newly launched airline, with plans to create around 100 jobs in Grand Cayman, has been delayed. The Cayman-based airline, called BlueSky Airlines, said it’s battling turbulent times after the company they were receiving their aircrafts from shut down. The airline aims to offer flights from Grand Cayman to destinations in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
BlueSky officials announced earlier this year they hoped to begin flying by this summer, but now that the Polish EuroLOT airline, which planned to supply the initial aircrafts to BlueSky’s fleet, closed due to financial issues, the airline is having to look elsewhere.
EuroLOT airline was going to wet lease two medium-range Bombardier Dash-8 Q400s turboprop planes to BlueSky for commercial use, however, the European airline closed down on 31 March.
BlueSky Airline officials said they are now shifting their focus and searching for a new aircraft carrier. While the negotiations continue, the Cayman-based airline is working with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) and the Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) to complete the regulatory process.
BlueSky Airlines’ Chairman Kenny Rankin explained, “Once these new aircraft are secured we will announce our planned launch date as well as our intended date to commence reservations and ticket sales, all subject to government approvals.”
He added, “Due to the temporary delay of our launch date, we recently restructured and streamlined our organization. This resulted in the temporary elimination of some positions and consequently the redundancy of some staff.”
Rankin said, “Once alternative Bombardier Q400 aircraft are contracted, we intend to restore the redundant positions and expand the organization in preparation for the launch of our scheduled airline operations. The airline remains fully operational and we look forward to completing the regulatory process and to receiving our operating certificate later in 2015.”
Category: Featured, Stay-over tourism, Tourism
Unna should really read the Gazette.
pie in the sky idea….
‘The airline remains fully operational’? lol
It is operational. Do you need someone to explain it to you?
Yes please, explain #fully operational# without airplanes and staff laid off?
Cayman badly needs this airline. Let’s hope they pass the regulatory process with flying colours.