From Cayman Airways September 8, 2019

Cayman
Airways Limited (CAL) confirms that flight KX792 destined to New York
(JFK) from Grand Cayman on Sunday September 8, 2019, was diverted to
Orlando International Airport (MCO) following a smoke indication in
one of its cargo holds.

As a result, Captain Frederick Whorms declared an
emergency, and the aircraft was landed safely. The Captain and crew
successfully conducted an emergency evacuation of the aircraft, which
resulted in all passengers and crew safely exiting the aircraft.
Passengers and crew were then transported to the airport terminal.

CAL is now in the process of ensuring the welfare of our passengers and crew and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

UPDATE:

Following
the diversion of New York flight KX792 to Orlando International
Airport (MCO) this evening, Cayman Airways can now confirm the
following:

• Flight
  KX792, under the command of Captain Frederick Whorms and assisted by
  First Officer Adrian West, departed Grand Cayman for New York (JFK)
  on schedule at 3:30pm (EST); approximately an hour and a half into
  the flight, an emergency was declared following a warning light
  indicating the presence of smoke in one of its cargo holds; the
  aircraft landed safely at MCO at 6:17pm (EDT).
  
• With
  the uncertainty of what was causing the indication, the 103
  passengers on board and 5 crew evacuated the aircraft through the
  emergency over-wing exits and the deployed door chutes/slides.
  
• Emergency
  personnel, including paramedics, were on site to assist and treat
  passengers and crew if needed. All passengers and crew were cleared
  to the terminal without the need for further medical attention.
  
• All
  passengers and crew have been provided with accommodations and a
  replacement flight has been arranged for Monday September 9, 2019.
  
• Whilst
  an investigation is in progress, there is no evidence at this time
  of any actual smoke being present in the cargo hold.
  

“We
are extremely mindful that this emergency landing and evacuation was
a very distressing event,” commented Cayman Airways President and
CEO, Fabian Whorms. “On behalf of Cayman Airways, I offer a most
sincere apology to our passengers for having to experience this
emergency landing and evacuation, which was necessary in the interest
of the safety of our passengers and crew. We have removed the
affected aircraft from service indefinitely in order to accomplish
the required repairs.”

Due to the aircraft being removed from service,
there will be some necessary changes to the airline’s flight
schedule for Monday September 9, 2019, as follows:

• KX793,
  scheduled to depart JFK at 8:45am will now depart at 7:30pm.
  
  
• KX2606,
  scheduled to depart GCM at 6:05pm will now depart at 10:10pm
  
• KX2607,
  scheduled to depart KIN at 8:10pm will now depart at 12:10am
  
• KX200/201
  will now be operated on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 instead.
  

All
other flights are expected to operate on schedule. Passengers on
affected flights will receive updates on their new flight times via
email and text messages.

Affected
passengers may call Cayman Airways Reservations on 345-949-2311 or
1-800-422-9626 (toll free in the United States) with any questions or
concerns.