Captain Gary Hydes flew his final flight for Cayman Airways on Tuesday, 21 July, with much fanfare and support from colleagues, family and friends.
A customary water cannon salute from the Cayman Islands Fire at his final landing sent him off in style.
Hydes, who has been with Cayman Airways for 43 years, noted how important it was to have his family with him on his final flight.
“It’s been a long career, and to share this moment with my family on a very special day like this – it’s very emotional. Not only have I had a career to consider, but my family,” he said.
Looking back over the years, Hydes said that things were “very rudimentary” when he started with the airline, and to see the changes from then to now was more than he could have imagined.
“Now I’m retiring, [having flown] a state-of-the-art airplane – that’s the most awesome thing I can think of.”
Flying career started in 1983
Hydes began his journey with Cayman Airways in April of 1983 as a ticket agent at the original Owen Roberts International Airport terminal. His flying career began in July 1983 when he was a trainee first officer, flying the inter-island service with Captain Sky Brown.
In November 1984, he started training for the Boeing 727 flight engineer position and served in this position until December 1986, when he was promoted to first officer on the B727. He took on multiple roles including part-time captain on the Britten-Norman Trislander. He was the only pilot at Cayman Airways to have the two-engine ferry flight engineer certification on the B7272.
In late 1989, he transitioned to the more advanced Boeing 737-400 aircraft and eventually was selected to train for and served as first officer on the B737-400 until February 1992, when he was promoted to captain. A year later, he became line training captain, a role he served until his retirement. In 2011, he also became a designated flight examiner B737.
Hydes was promoted to chief pilot for the airline in January 2005 and served through December 2006, and also functioned as vice president of flight operations from December 2005 to April 2006. A major achievement was establishing the crew scheduling department, which centralised crew rostering and operational management for both pilots and cabin attendants. He also served as acting chief pilot up to September 2023.
Hydes highlighted how important and serious the job has been for him throughout his career.
“Once you’re away off the ground and you’re in control of this large machine, the passengers, flight attendants, everyone, is your responsibility. That is incredible,” he said.
He also encouraged people who want to become pilots to pursue their interests and not give up.
“There is no dream that is too large or too small that you shouldn’t follow,” he said. “I knew when I was 5 years old.”
Retirement celebration
A retirement event was held at the George Town Yacht Club that same evening where Hydes was recognised for his contributions over the years.
Fabian Whorms, president and CEO of Cayman Airways Limited, said, “This evening, many of us had the privilege of gathering airside at the airport to welcome home Flight KX105 from Miami. It was a special moment – not simply because another Cayman Airways flight had arrived safely home, but because we were witnessing the final landing of a captain whose career has helped shape the airline we are today.
Over more than four decades, Captain Hydes has seen our fleet evolve, watched technology transform the way we fly, and our airport change dramatically. Through every chapter of that journey, he has been one of the steady hands helping guide this airline forward.”
He added, “Long after today’s final landing, that influence will continue through the pilots he trained, the people he mentored, and the culture of professionalism he helped strengthen.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development Gary Rutty also spoke. He said, “On behalf of the government and the people of the Cayman Islands, I offer our sincere congratulations and heartfelt thanks for a career that has touched the lives of so many people – often without them ever realising it.”
He added, “While tonight marks the end of an extraordinary flying career, it is by no means the end of Captain Hydes’ impact. His example of service, professionalism, integrity and pride in country will continue to inspire future generations of Caymanians for many years to come.”
In his remarks, chairman of Cayman Airways Board of Directors David Ritch said, “Captain Hydes, your career reminds us that institutions are ultimately defined by character. You have exemplified professionalism, humility, integrity and service throughout more than four decades with Cayman Airways. On behalf of the board of directors, thank you for your extraordinary contribution to Cayman Airways, and to your county.”
Hydes said that he’d emphasised his pride in flying for Cayman Airways in his remarks to colleagues, family and friends at the event. “Being a pilot is an awesome career, but being able to be a pilot for a national airline is an honour,” he said.
He is also looking forward to his retirement, during which he plans to relax and spend time with family.
“My wife has a to-do list,” he joked. “I’m looking forward to enjoying myself, doing some domestic duties and just relaxing.”
Additional reporting by Compass TV reporter Mark Westin.
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