Cayman Airways addresses operational safety concerns for new Boeing 737 Max 8

In anticipation of Cayman Airways receiving its first Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft later this year, Cayman Airways has been closely monitoring the investigation activities related to the tragic loss of Lion Air’s flight JT610. So far, it is public knowledge that speculative concern has been raised regarding the functioning of the Lion Air aircraft, the maintenance work accomplished on the aircraft and the actions taken in the flight deck during flight, any or all of which, could have possibly contributed in some way to the accident.

While these investigations are still in progress, one of the possible contributing factors that has received attention, is evidence of erroneous Angle of Attack flight data, which if not detected and addressed correctly by the flight deck crew, could result in an unsafe flight situation. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have, accordingly, issued bulletins and directives to emphasize the need for flight crews to carry out a set of previously prescribed procedures contained within the Boeing 737 Max Operating Manuals. Cayman Airways has already incorporated the procedural and training elements necessary to comply with the prescribed Boeing and FAA instructions. 

“I can give a full assurance that our new aircraft will not be delivered or accepted unless it is has thoroughly passed all required post production flight and ground tests successfully,” explained Fabian Whorms, President and CEO of Cayman Airways. “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 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.”

Mr. Whorms further advised that, “The recent accident in Indonesia should not be considered as a reference for comparison with present and future operations at Cayman Airways. Outside of the Lion Air incident, the Boeing 737 Max aircraft model has accumulated hundreds of thousands of hours of safe operations with multiple operators.  Today, there are well over 200 Boeing 737 Max aircraft in operation around the world with a large percentage being operated by major North American airlines that operate to and from Grand Cayman. Cayman Airways has had decades of safe operations with Boeing aircraft and we will always have safety as our absolute highest priority.”

The first Cayman Airways Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, currently in production, successfully completed its first major flight tests on November 7, 2018 and is about to have the Cayman Airways livery applied as part of the final production process. Upon delivery, it will be the first Boeing 737 Max aircraft to be operated by any Caribbean-based airline and Cayman Airways is working with the greatest of diligence and care, as we replace our current jet fleet with the most refined Boeing 737 model, starting in December of this year.

Cayman Airways’ brand new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft successfully completed its first major flight tests on Nov. 7, 2018. The aircraft is pictured here during the flight tests, prior to the dynamic Cayman Airways livery (branding) being installed.