Safter, Smarter Skies Coming to the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), which operates Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA), has selected Thales, a global leader in air traffic management (ATM) technology, to modernize and upgrade the Cayman Islands’ air traffic control infrastructure.

The partnership, awarded following the mandatory Request for Proposals (RFP) process, supports the CIAA’s Airports Master Plan 2041, which aims to ensure safe, sustainable, and world-class airport operations to meet future air traffic, tourism, and economic growth.

The project will deliver new air traffic control and surveillance systems that enhance flight safety, efficiency, and coordination within Cayman’s airspace enabling smoother traffic flow across the wider Caribbean. The modernization includes the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) tracking and upgraded communications systems, providing controllers with real-time aircraft visibility and more efficient flight-path management.

“This is a major step forward for aviation in the Cayman Islands,” said Albert Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority. “The modernization of our air traffic control infrastructure is part of our long-term vision to strengthen safety, improve efficiency, and keep pace with global aviation standards as passenger volumes continue to grow.”

Thales’s Air Traffic Management Projects & Services Centre in Mexico will oversee the system’s design, installation, and operational rollout, working closely with the CIAA and local air traffic management teams. “We are thrilled to welcome Cayman Islands Airports Authority as a new partner and to embark on this exciting ATM journey together. This selection not only reflects the trust and confidence they have placed in Thales but also underscores our commitment to delivering innovative, cybersecure and tailored solutions from our ATM Projects and Services Centre that bring Cayman Islands’ air navigation capabilities to the next level, ensuring safety and excellence for the years to come. We look forward to building a strong, long-lasting relationship that drives mutual growth and success.” said Youzec Kurp, Vice-President, Airspace Mobility Solutions at Thales.

 This initiative reinforces the Cayman Islands’ commitment to advancing aviation safety and operational excellence, ensuring that both ORIA and CKIA remain competitive, resilient, and ready to serve the region’s growing aviation needs.