Pictures of celebrities, rock bands and millionaires relaxing on their private jets are a window into the world of luxury enjoyed by a privileged few.
No queuers in interminable security and immigration lines are they; it is VIP all the way. A dedicated terminal with concierge-level attention makes the days of group numbers on boarding passes but a wisp of a bad memory.
Until last year, there were no private jets available for hire originating in the Cayman Islands. They had to be flown in from the US or elsewhere at great expense. In July 2022, however, that all changed. Cayman Private Aviation opened its doors – or, rather, door – to a beautifully-appointed Dassault Falcon 900 jet, now based on Grand Cayman.
From its butter-soft cream leather seats to gleaming, gold-toned seatbelt clasps, royal blue cushions, and every creature comfort, the long-range plane makes international travel something to savour, rather than dread.
On a cool, Caribbean evening, I and some friends experienced firsthand what Cayman Private Aviation has to offer. All I have to say is: Once you go (private) jet, it’s impossible to forget.
Even before you board, the personalised service begins with exclusive land transportation from your residence or resort to the private terminal located on Roberts Drive. Take a seat in the lounge as your paperwork is checked, maybe enjoying a refreshment while you wait. I personally recommend a glass of Rose’s Whisper – a delicious combination of coconut rum, ginger and pineapple juice, among other ingredients. The cocktail is named for Rose Gadsby, cabin attendant and Cayman flight industry legend. She is one of an almost all-Caymanian staff working for CPA, who spent many years with Cayman Airways. For her, it’s a joy to meet some of her former commercial passengers on board a charter flight.
“[I can see] their happiness and excitement of having a familiar face on board,” Rose says.
If private jet travel is not a familiar luxury, the cabin is a revelation as soon as you enter it. There are generously proportioned ‘captain’s’ chairs positioned around the fully-carpeted space, allowing for ample leg room and ease of moving about once the plane is in flight. Speaking of which, the rush of accelerating down the runway is all part of magic – you really feel the speed and the power of the engines as the wheels prepare to leave the ground.
No detail of the interior design has been overlooked. Polished, woodgrain panelling is perfectly complemented by the gold accents to be found throughout, often subtly disguising storage spaces from the galley at the front, to the lavatory facilities at the back, keeping the cabin uncluttered. The galley area is set up to allow for full catering for passengers from award-winning restaurants, served on fine china placed atop linen tablecloths. There is even a small gold lamp on board to add that cosy, romantic touch.
At the rear of the plane, we found a long, cushioned bench that can be used as a seat for short-range flights, but actually converts to a comfortable bed for longer-range itineraries. It would be hard to imagine sleeping through such a wonderful experience, but if the mood takes you, the option for a proper slumber is there at your fingertips.
Even the restroom is something to behold, as it is downright spacious compared to those found in commercial jets. A gold faucet hovers over a gold sink, sitting in a wide counter space, and the leather cushioned seat in the corner is removed to reveal the lavatory. There are also large mirrors over the sink, making this easily double as a powder room for freshening up.
As we sipped Champagne, Rose came around the cabin with a tray of snacks, which meant passengers had to take a brief break from snapping shots of the breathtaking views through the windows. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the clouds above and the clear, blue Caribbean Sea below. The world looks completely different from that perspective.
Of course, at some point, we had to come in for landing, which was smooth as silk. It was time for one last, lingering look around that beautiful space that in 30 minutes, had completely changed the way we viewed air travel forever.
Private jet excursions need no longer be a hassle to book, now that Private Jet Aviation is based in Cayman. Vegas for the weekend? F1 races in Miami? Broadway in New York? They are just a reservation away. And if you only have ESTA but no US Visa, that’s no problem either. CPA can organise your private travel into the US with no immigration holdups.
If you’re looking to spoil yourself, this is the only way to fly.
This article appears in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of InsideOut magazine, now available at magazine stands and delivered to select homes.
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