Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (November 2025) — The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), which operates Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA), has selected Thales, a global leader in air traffic management (ATM) technology, to modernize and upgrade the Cayman Islands’ air traffic control infrastructure.
The partnership, awarded following the mandatory Request for Proposals (RFP) process, supports the CIAA’s Airports Master Plan 2041, which aims to ensure safe, sustainable, and world-class airport operations to meet future air traffic, tourism, and economic growth.
The project will deliver new air traffic control and surveillance systems that enhance flight safety, efficiency, and coordination within Cayman’s airspace enabling smoother traffic flow across the wider Caribbean. The modernization includes the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) tracking and upgraded communications systems, providing controllers with real-time aircraft visibility and more efficient flight-path management.
“This is a major step forward for aviation in the Cayman Islands,” said Albert Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority. “The modernization of our air traffic control infrastructure is part of our long-term vision to strengthen safety, improve efficiency, and keep pace with global aviation standards as passenger volumes continue to grow.”
Thales’s Air Traffic Management Projects & Services Centre in Mexico will oversee the system’s design, installation, and operational rollout, working closely with the CIAA and local air traffic management teams. “We are thrilled to welcome Cayman Islands Airports Authority as a new partner and to embark on this exciting ATM journey together. This selection not only reflects the trust and confidence they have placed in Thales but also underscores our commitment to delivering innovative, cybersecure and tailored solutions from our ATM Projects and Services Centre that bring Cayman Islands’ air navigation capabilities to the next level, ensuring safety and excellence for the years to come. We look forward to building a strong, long-lasting relationship that drives mutual growth and success.” said Youzec Kurp, Vice-President, Airspace Mobility Solutions at Thales.
This initiative reinforces the Cayman Islands’ commitment to advancing aviation safety and operational excellence, ensuring that both ORIA and CKIA remain competitive, resilient, and ready to serve the region’s growing aviation needs.
The Cayman Islands Airports Authority owns and operates Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) in Grand Cayman and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA) in Cayman Brac. The CIAA is responsible for providing a safe, efficient, and modern airport system that meets international standards and supports the economic and social development of the Cayman Islands. Through its Airports Master Plan 2041, the CIAA continues to invest in infrastructure, technology, and innovation to ensure sustainable and world-class airport operations.
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.
Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.
With six decades of presence in Latin America, Thales, a global tech leader for the Defence, Aerospace, Cyber & Digital sectors. The Group is investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – Big Data, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust.
The company has 2,500 employees in the region, across 7 countries - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Panama - with ten offices, five manufacturing plants, and engineering and service centres in all the sectors in which it operates.
Through strategic partnerships and innovative projects, Thales in Latin America drives sustainable growth and strengthens its ties with governments, public and private institutions, as well as airports, airlines, banks, telecommunications and technology companies.
Renee Howell
Marketing & Communications Manager
Cayman Islands Airports Authority
Tel: 345-244-5832 | Email: renee.howell@caymanairports.com
Visit Our Website: CaymanAirports.com
