Cayman Airways statement regarding flight KX 832

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, January 23, 2013:

Cayman Airways flight KX 832 from Grand Cayman to Havana, Cuba returned to Grand Cayman as a precautionary measure due to a technical discrepancy detected during flight this afternoon.

The flight landed uneventfully in Grand Cayman 30 minutes after departure and the passengers were immediately transferred to another aircraft. The flight to Havana subsequently departed at 3:30pm and landed in Havana at 4:25pm.

The presence of emergency first responders upon the aircraft’s arrival was an operating procedure by the Cayman Islands Airports Authority after receiving notification from Havana air traffic control that Cayman Airways flight was returning with a potential technical problem.

Cayman Airways however wishes to emphasize that the return was not declared an emergency by the flight crew

to the Cayman Islands Airports Authority. At no time did the Captain declare an emergency in flight as the situation did not warrant it. The Captain’s decision to return to home base was a precautionary measure and one to also allow any necessary repairs to be accomplished with minimum disruption to the airlines operating schedule.

As a result of the delay created, flights KX 106 from Grand Cayman to Miami and KX 107 from Miami to Grand Cayman will now depart approximately an hour and 40 minutes behind schedule. All other flights remain on schedule and Cayman Airways expects no further delays for the reminder of the day.

“On arrival, the technical issue was confirmed as minor by our maintenance crews but as Cayman Airways is committed to the highest levels of safety we commend Captain Grizzel and First Officer Chris Witt for their decision to return as a precautionary measure,” commented Cayman Airways President and CEO, Fabian Whorms. “We sincerely thank our customers and the public for their continued support and understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused from today’s delays.”