The Cayman Airways logo embodies the spirit of the Cayman Islands and its people. The logo echoes the values of community, adventure, and natural beauty. The airline serves as a bridge between destinations and between the island’s culture and the rest of the world; the airline’s ambition is to offer a unique blend of hospitality and luxury.
Cayman Airways: Brand overview
In the annals of aviation history, 1968 was a landmark year for the Cayman Islands. Two enterprising Caymanians partnered with the venerable British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). Their union gave rise to Cayman Airways, and the first flight of the six-seat Britten-Norman Islander aircraft from Grand Cayman to Kingston, Jamaica, marked the beginning of an exciting era of air transportation.
By 1975, Cayman Airways had become the Caribbean’s leading airline, carrying passengers across the United States, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. The purchase of a Boeing 727 jet raised its profile in the industry, and in the 1980s, the company continued to grow by upgrading its fleet with Boeing 737s.
The airline currently operates more than 60 weekly flights to 12 destinations in the Caribbean and the Americas, successfully serving passenger and cargo traffic.
Meaning and History
What is Cayman Airways?
Cayman Airways holds a place of honor as the flagship airline of the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands. Based in Grand Cayman, the airline provides essential international and domestic scheduled passenger services, as well as cargo services on most of its routes. From its earliest days, the airline has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to connecting the Cayman Islands to the world, serving as a vital bridge for tourism and trade. Over time, the airline has earned a reputation for providing a service closely tied to the spirit and charm of the islands.
1968 – today
The Cayman Airways logo tells a story based on the symbolism of the Cayman turtle — an iconic animal that represents the natural wealth and uniqueness of the Cayman Islands. The design focuses on its recognizable features, such as the strong shell and elegant tail, making the emblem closely tied to the region’s culture.
The symbol’s history began in the 1970s when Suzy Soto created a character named Sir Turtle. Initially, it was intended as a mascot for the island’s tourism department and was used on luggage stickers. However, the image had no direct connection to aviation until pilot Wilbur Thompson added a red scarf to the turtle. This element gave the image movement, conveying a sense of travel and journeys, which became associated with air transportation.
The color palette—a combination of blue, green, and red—emphasizes the Caymans’ connection to nature and culture. Blue reflects the vast sea and sky, green symbolizes the rich vegetation and ecological purity of the islands, and red adds energy and highlights the vibrancy of local culture. These colors harmoniously unite the natural and human aspects of the region.
The name is presented in a strict, clear font. Its minimalist style emphasizes the professionalism and reliability of the airline, while the simple, straight lines of the text make it recognizable in an international context.
The image of Sir Turtle has become a true symbol of the warm hospitality and rich marine life of the Cayman Islands. Its charismatic appearance links the airline to its national identity, highlighting its roots and uniqueness. This emblem has accompanied Cayman Airways for several decades, remaining an important part of its image and cultural heritage.