Veteran Cayman Airways Captain Gary Hydes completed his final commercial flight on Tuesday, bringing to a close a distinguished 43-year career with the national airline that spanned multiple generations of aircraft, leadership roles and pilot training.

Captain Hydes' final service, Cayman Airways flight KX105 from Miami, arrived at Owen Roberts International Airport on July 21 aboard Boeing 737-8 aircraft VP-CIY. The flight concluded in ideal flying conditions, with light northeasterly winds of around 10 knots, excellent visibility and only a few fair-weather clouds, providing a fitting backdrop for the final landing of one of the airline's longest-serving pilots. The aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute on departure from Miami International Airport before receiving a second salute on arrival at Owen Roberts International Airport, where airport fire crews honoured Captain Hydes as the aircraft taxied to the gate.

Family members, friends, former colleagues and current Cayman Airways employees gathered on the ramp to watch the Boeing 737 touch down before applauding as it taxied to the gate, welcoming Captain Hydes home after his final commercial flight. Once the passengers and crew had disembarked, Captain Hydes stepped onto the ramp to a standing ovation before taking time to greet those who had come to congratulate him on his remarkable career.

Throughout his career, Captain Hydes earned widespread respect for his professionalism, humility, leadership and unwavering commitment to safety. Beyond serving as a Boeing 737 captain, he held several senior management positions, including Chief Pilot and Vice President of Flight Operations, while mentoring generations of Caymanian pilots through his work as a Line Training Captain and Designated Flight Examiner.

Captain Hydes joined Cayman Airways in April 1983 as a ticket agent before beginning his line training on the Britten-Norman Trislander. He subsequently progressed through the ranks as Flight Engineer, First Officer and Captain, flying both the Boeing 727 and Boeing 737 fleets during a career that mirrored the airline's own development. He retires upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 for airline pilots operating commercial passenger services under regulations observed in both the Cayman Islands and the United States.

Among his operational achievements was helping establish Cayman Airways' Crew Scheduling Department, centralising crew rostering and operational management. He also served multiple terms as Chief Pilot, including most recently between 2022 and 2023.

Retirement celebration

Speaking at his retirement celebration at the George Town Yacht Club, hosted by Cayman Airways and the Cayman Airline Pilots Association (CAPA), Captain Hydes reflected on the sacrifices and privileges of a career spanning more than four decades.

"Forty-three years is more than a career, it is a lifetime of experiences and sacrifices," he said, thanking his wife, daughters, siblings and colleagues for supporting him throughout his journey.

Reflecting on some of the lighter moments from his years in the cockpit, Captain Hydes recalled joking with a passenger aboard a Boeing 727 who had asked for ketchup, replying: "This is a 727, sir, not a 7-Eleven," drawing laughter from those attending the celebration.

He also paid tribute to the many employees behind every successful flight, noting that mechanics, dispatchers, flight attendants, customer service agents, baggage handlers and other staff all contribute to Cayman Airways' strong safety record.

"Cayman Airways enjoys an outstanding safety record, one which was not built by chance, but through strong stewardship and standards," he said, urging the airline's current and future pilots to "follow those rules, respect the SOPs, and preserve the safety record so that Cayman Airways can continue to fly safely for many years to come."

"In closing, thank you for the privilege of serving Cayman Airways and the people of these islands. It has been an honour and a rewarding journey."

Deputy Premier Garry Rutty MP praised Captain Hydes' contribution to both the airline and the country.

"Our national airline has always been much more than a means of getting from one place to another," Rutty said. "For 43 years, he has represented the very best of Cayman Airways, and in doing so, the very best of these beloved Cayman Islands."

Cayman Airways Board Member Larry Tibbetts described Captain Hydes as:

"a true role model and professional within the pilot division."

Whilst Captain Troy McCoy of the Cayman Airline Pilots Association added:

"It is an honour to know you, to learn from you and to have joined you in this work. May God bless you exceedingly and abundantly in what is in store for you. Congratulations."

Captain Hydes' retirement follows that of fellow veteran Cayman Airways Captain Joseph Jackson, who concluded nearly 45 years of service earlier this year, marking the passing of the baton by a generation of pilots whose careers helped shape the airline's modern era. Together, they leave behind a legacy built on professionalism, mentorship and an uncompromising commitment to safety. As Captain Hydes reminded those gathered, Cayman Airways' safety record "was not built by chance," but through decades of strong stewardship and standards, with its preservation now entrusted to the next generation of pilots.