Successful Aero Expo Panama Pacifico Proves Business Aviation Growth in Latin America

May 4, 2017 Panama, Republic of Panama -- A successful second annual event is in the books for the Aero Expo Panama Pacifico (AEPP).

The expo was larger than its premier in 2016 and enjoyed a 20 percent increase in attendees and 32 exhibitors representing 15 countries. Eight static aircraft were on display this year, up from six at last year’s event.

Aviation and political luminaries participated in various activities. Carlos Duboy, the newly appointed General Director of Tocumen SA, the main sponsor and host of the event, participated in the Opening Ceremony. AAC (Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil) General Director, Alfredo Fonseca and the U.S. Ambassador John D. Feeley participated in the opening ceremony.

Keynote speaker Jaime Fabrega, VP of IAOPA for Latin America emphasized the benefits of aviation for companies and communities.

"Like the Aero Expo Panama, the Asociación Panameña de Aviación and IAPOA is committed to the development of General Aviation in Panama and in the region" “Panama has a good flight plan to develop aviation infrastructure in this country,” said Feeley.

Yoshihisa Endo, The Ambassador of Japan visited the VIP cocktail hour hosted in the Static Display at the end of the first day of the event. Ambassador Endo commented on the noteworthy appearance (and comfortable cabin) of the iconic new Honda Jet in the static display.

The Honda Jet completed the 1,040-nm flight between Miami and Panama in three hours, seven minutes.

“Most attendees asked if the HondaJet could fly nonstop from Panama to Miami, so we were able to tell them that it could not only do that, but also the return trip, with headwinds,” said Ryan Ramos, Honda Aircraft director of sales for Latin America and the Southeast U.S.

Also announced during the Expo:

• Synerjet Latina was appointed dealer for Cirrus Aircraft in Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua: José Eduardo Brandao, General Director at Synerjet, commented "We participate to the AEPP because they find buyers in Panama."

• Quest Aircraft added a Kodiak Dealer in Central America: Raul Arias de la Guardia, President of Kodiak Aircraft of Central America S.A., feels absolutely confident that the Kodiak will prove a success in Central America for all operations and especially for the difficult tropical environments which are common in each country. “We’re looking forward to building momentum for the Kodiak in this region of the world, as we believe it’s a perfect fit, and not just for its famous STOL capability. It has an ample cabin, excellent cargo capacity and unmatched mission flexibility.” Quest Aircraft is based at the Marcos A. Gelabert Airport in Panama.

•  Eight speakers presented on popular aviation topics, including A groundbreaking presentation on drones: Kerima Killinbeck, official from the AAC conducted a much anticipated presentation on how to operate drones in the Republic of Panama. "Of course you can fly drones in Panama as long as it is coordinated and it complies with the AAC regulations." The Universidad Technologica de Panama (UTP) exhibited a drone that was designed and manufactured by students in the University's Fab Lab.

• Following meetings during the AEPP, a cooperation agreement is under discussion between the UTP and the UNAQ (Universidad Aeronautica en Queretaro from Mexico). As per Dr Oscar Garibaldi from the UTP, "the Aero Expo Panama surpassed our expectations" and "it is a great show for students and the public to see aircraft firsthand."

•  Helipan is the representative of Robinson Helicopters. Sales Manager Alison Exenberger explained that "the market has always been growing in Panama, and they always had executives flying to their private estates". Helipan organizes Helicopter Tours and is a dealer of Robinson Helicopters.

• Since launching complete ground handling services for 10 airports in Cuba, Mapiex celebrates its first year serving some of the most important international companies operating in the area. Mapiex continues to grow and develop its trust relationship with SAFRAN HE, by consolidating a representation of their services in the region.

• Xavier Pons, Director of Sales at Dassault Falcon Jet said, "This is the second year we exhibit with a Falcon F900LX. We are really pleased with the quality of the organization and with the quality of the participants."

“We’re very pleased that we have achieved our objectives of encouraging trade, information, cooperation and expansion of the aviation industry in the region,” said organizer Yvan Boniface. “We’re very encouraged by the growth, and planning for next year’s AEPP event is currently underway.”