Cayman Airways is Wet Leasing Planes Now

[jdcpa]

I have no official information, but from my observations alone, Cayman Airways is wet leasing planes now, as I assume some of their three jets are in for scheduled maintenance.

Last Sunday we flew back on Cayman Airways.

I saw a Swiftair plane, a nice looking 737. I assume that was one of the wet leases.

We flew back on a World Atlantic Airways wet lease. The plane was an old, dumpy, hot MD80. It sat on the tarmac for hours, we were over an hour late leaving. You could see duct tape on the outside of the cabin door.

Many people complained their bags would not fit in the overhead bins, but they did on the way to Grand Cayman. I assume the MD80 overhead bins are smaller than the 737.

I thought the biggest issue was that they did not have a license to sell alcohol.

It was not a great comfort to have a man with a t shirt that read Maintenance on the back moving around before takeoff. He was obviously working on something that caused the delay. He flew back with us, in business class, but spent most of his time flirting with the flight attendants in the front galley.

I understand that Cayman Airways has the need to wet lease some planes, but I wish they would do better than lease a dumpy old plane.

Hopefully they get their Max 737’s in service soon as this will all go away.

Just information for you.

 

[Doctorfish]

I assume every airline in the world is now competing for leases of single aisle planes. Better a dumpy old plane than no flight at all.

 

[KathyV]

I have no official information, but from my observations alone, Cayman Airways is wet leasing planes now, as I assume some of their three jets are in for scheduled maintenance.

Last Sunday we flew back on Cayman Airways.

I saw a Swiftair plane, a nice looking 737. I assume that was one of the wet leases.

We flew back on a World Atlantic Airways wet lease. The plane was an old, dumpy, hot MD80. It sat on the tarmac for hours, we were over an hour late leaving. You could see duct tape on the outside of the cabin door.

Many people complained their bags would not fit in the overhead bins, but they did on the way to Grand Cayman. I assume the MD80 overhead bins are smaller than the 737.

I thought the biggest issue was that they did not have a license to sell alcohol.

It was not a great comfort to have a man with a t shirt that read Maintenance on the back moving around before takeoff. He was obviously working on something that caused the delay. He flew back with us, in business class, but spent most of his time flirting with the flight attendants in the front galley.

I understand that Cayman Airways has the need to wet lease some planes, but I wish they would do better than lease a dumpy old plane.

Hopefully they get their Max 737’s in service soon as this will all go away.

Just information for you.

They bought 2 new Boeing 737 Max planes shortly before the recalls so they are short of planes right now, just like many other airlines.

 

[kelemvor]

Can you use other more reputable airlines (delta, american, etc) to fly to/from Cayman and avoid this problem?

 

[chillyinCanada]

What is a "wet" lease? I've never heard that term before. Sounds a bit daunting too, what with the flights over water and such.

 

[KathyV]

Can you use other more reputable airlines (delta, american, etc) to fly to/from Cayman and avoid this problem?

I am an equal-opportunity airline hater - I don't like any of them! But I have never had any significant problems with Cayman Airways, besides delayed bags going to Little Cayman - and that is because they can only fly the small Twin Otters into tiny LCM airport.

Cayman Airways has the same highest level safety rating as Delta, American, and United, see the link below:

Compare Airline Safety Ratings - Airline Ratings

 

[kelemvor]

What is a "wet" lease? I've never heard that term before. Sounds a bit daunting too, whst with the flights over water and such.

I had to look it up, too. It's just when one airline provides a plane and crew to another from what I read. Basically you pay Airline1 for a ticket, but they stick you on an Airline2 plane. Kind of a bummer if you're expecting to fly with an airline you trust but you wind up with an airline you don't trust imo.

It seems to be a technical term. I'm guessing the OP works in the airline industry.

I am an equal-opportunity airline hater - I don't like any of them! But I have never had any significant problems with Cayman Airways, besides delayed bags going to Little Cayman - and that is because they can only fly the small Twin Otters into LCM.

Cayman Airways has the same highest level safety rating as Delta, American, and United, see the link below:

Compare Airline Safety Ratings - Airline Ratings

I didn't mean I have anything against Cayman air. Just sounded shifty to have bought tickets on a 737 and wound up on an antique md80. I guess that could happen with any airline.

I'm pretty sure I've read some negative things about old planes in general. Something about the metal getting old and brittle or some such as planes age. I probably have the details wrong. I guess a 737 COULD be older than an MD80, but since they haven't made MD80's for 20 years, even the newest md80 is an antique.

 

[KathyV]

...I didn't mean I have anything against Cayman air. Just sounded shifty to have bought tickets on a 737 and wound up on an antique md80. I guess that could happen with any airline....

It's fine with me if you feel negative about CAL, like I said, I hate all airlines - but I need them!

 

[Manatee Diver]

I didn't mean I have anything against Cayman air. Just sounded shifty to have bought tickets on a 737 and wound up on an antique md80. I guess that could happen with any airline.

I suppose if you are looking at it that way, but you aren't buying a seat on a 737 but the route. Sure with smaller airlines or airlines with monolithic fleets you can be fairly certain what airplane you are going to be flying, but you will see with larger airlines that they can and do switch the aircraft flying a route depending on demand, aircraft availability, and crew availability. Yes it sucks to end up in an older aircraft like the Mad Dogs, particularly if you near the rear with the engines, but that is life.

 

[flyboy08]

Wet lease....you lease the plane and crew.
Dry lease....you rent the plane but provide the crew.

I flew on Caymans 737-200 a few times. Those are vintage aircraft!