Cayman Airways (KX, Grand Cayman Island) is planning to purchase three of the B737-300s it currently leases CEO, Fabian Whorms, has told a Caymanian Finance Committee inquest. The Cayman Compass reports the transaction, which will cost USD7.9million, will save the company USD5.9million a year in lease payments.

The twinjets are used on intra-Caribbean flights as well as services to the United States.

Whorms also disclosed plans to source a Saab 340 to replace its fleet of two DHC-6s on local flights to Cayman Brac Island. The use of a larger aircraft on the route, and the consequent increase in capacity, would negate the need for six daily flights he said, thereby saving the airline USD60'000 per month.

“What we have considered is a 50 percent reduction in the Twin Otters flying and similar reduction in jet flying as well. It will depend on loads and demands,” he said.

The Twin Otters will still operate on the Little Cayman route and will serve as backup to the new aircraft.