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Panama

Country facts
  • Land Size:
  • 74,177 sq. km. (28,640 sq. mi.)
  • Population:
  • 4,488,232 (est. Nov 2023)
  • GDP:
  • $82.35 billion
  • Key Cities:
  • Panamá, Colón, David, La Chorrera, Santiago, Changuinola, Penonomé, Bugaba, Puerto Armuelles, Antón, Chepo, Chitré

Market overview

Panama’s aviation market holds a unique position in Central America owing to the country’s strategic geographic location, robust economy, and the presence of the Panama Canal, which has facilitated its development as a key transportation and logistics hub. 

Tocumen International Airport in Panama City serves as the main international gateway and one of the busiest airports in Central America. It is a vital hub for flights connecting North and South America, as well as for flights to Europe and Asia. The airport has undergone significant expansions and upgrades to accommodate the growing passenger traffic and to maintain high standards of safety and service. 

Copa Airlines, based in Panama, is one of the leading airlines in Latin America. It operates an extensive network of flights across the Americas and the Caribbean, capitalizing on Panama’s central location as a major hub for international air travel. The airline’s success and expansion have been crucial in positioning Panama as a key player in the regional aviation market. 

The domestic aviation market in Panama, although smaller in scale compared to the international sector, plays an important role in connecting remote areas of the country. Panama’s diverse geography, with its dense forests and archipelagos, makes air travel a practical option for internal transportation. Several regional airports and airstrips facilitate this connectivity, supporting tourism and local economies. 

The Panamanian government has been proactive in supporting the aviation industry, recognizing its role in the country’s economic development and regional connectivity. Policies to liberalize the aviation market, improve regulatory frameworks, and attract foreign investment have been implemented to bolster the sector. 

Panama’s aviation market is a central component of the country’s economy and transportation network, playing a crucial role in connecting the Americas and facilitating global trade and tourism. With strategic investments, a commitment to quality and safety, and a clear vision for the future, the aviation sector in Panama is well-positioned for sustained growth and success, contributing greatly to the nation’s economy. 

Location
  • Santiago
Clients
  • Kenya Airways

Josefa Araujo

Managing Partner

Josefa Araujo holds a degree in Administration, specializing in Accounting and Cost Management, bringing expertise in financial and cost analysis. During her 38 years of professional practice, she has worked for 33 years in the tourism industry where has successfully developed activities in the areas of sales, promotion, marketing, planning, advertising, public relations, and administration in airlines, car rental companies, travel agencies, tour operators, and tour wholesalers serving as commercial director and other senior management positions (national and regional levels). She has also held roles as executive director, secretary, and president of private tourism corporations’ organizations and tourism executives’ organizations. Additionally, she has extensive experience in the implementation and start-up of offices/operations for expanding the international services of airlines and tourism corporations.

  • REGION:
  • Americas and the Caribbean

William E Medina

Chief Commercial Officer

William E. Medina is a Mechanical Engineer and holds a post-degree in materials corrosion and fatigue. During the first twenty years of professional practice, he dedicated himself to aeronautical maintenance and later developed into the creation and management of airlines. For fifteen years he held senior management positions in passenger and cargo airlines, where he accumulated extensive experience in the areas of administration, commercial, marketing, planning, and operation, including the design, implementation, development, and supervision phases. He also has extensive experience in the creation and development of cargo and passenger agencies in different countries in the region.
  • REGION:
  • Americas and the Caribbean

Shreyas Nanavati

Deputy CEO

Shreyas Nanavati has an unique ability to connect high-level strategy with ground-level operations, allowing him to make decisions that are both financially sound and operationally feasible. He has successfully helped clients navigate industry turbulence by leveraging his comprehensive understanding of aviation trends and market dynamics. He has also displayed exceptional crisis management skills, guiding clients through various industry downturns and global challenges with a composed, analytical approach that ensures their long-term viability.

Beginning his career at Continental Airlines as a Senior Analyst in charge of Distribution Planning, Shreyas demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of airline distribution. His strategic planning and analytical skills were key to streamlining and enhancing the efficiency of the airline’s distribution channels. Shreyas’s deep insights and leadership potential soon saw him being promoted to the role of Revenue Manager at Continental Airlines, where he deftly managed the airline’s revenue streams and financial health.

At AirlinePros, he helped contribute towards making it the largest airline representation firm in North America, overseeing a 1,800% increase in client revenues while trebling the number of clients. Throughout his illustrious career, Shreyas has earned a reputation as an expert in aviation, recognized for his insights into airline operations, strategic planning, and revenue management. His adept handling of the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving aviation landscape has consistently resulted in robust business performance.

  • REGION:
  • Americas and the Caribbean
  • CLIENT:
  • Air Algerie | Air Arabia Maroc | Air Astana | Air Austral | Air Botswana | Air Cote D’lvoire | Air Macau | Air North | Air Rarotonga | Air Senegal | Air Seychelles | Arkia | Blue Air | Caribbean Airlines | Cayman Airways | CemAir | Drukair | Fastjet | Hunnu Air | IndiGo | interCaribbean Airways | Kam Air | LAM Mozambique | Lanmei Airlines | Lao Airlines | Loganair | Maya Island Air | Myanmar Airways International (MAI) | Myanmar National airways | Nepal Airlines | Nile Air | Nordwind Airlines | Pacific Coastal Airlines | Precision Air | Proflight Zambia | Royal Brunei Airlines | RwandAir | Shandong Airlines | Sky Express | Solomon Airlines | Somon Air | TAAG Angola | TUI fly | Tunisair | Uganda Airlines | Ural Airlines | Utair | VietJet Air | Volotea | Wamos Air | Wideroe | Windrose Airlines
  • LOCATIONS:
  • Miami
  • 6303, Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite #400, Miami, FL 33126
  • New York
  • 14 Penn Plaza (225 West 34th Street), 9th Floor, New York, NY 10122
  • Los Angeles
  • LAX Continental Grand, 400 Continental Blvd, 6th Floor, El Segundo, CA 90245
  • EMAIL:

Marilyn Nel

Regional Managing Partner

Marilyn is a seasoned finance professional with a wealth of experience and expertise in the aviation sector. With nearly three decades of experience in finance and accounting, Marilyn has a proven track record of managing complex financial operations and driving business performance.

Marilyn began her career in finance as a management accounting professional at Air Namibia, where she quickly established herself as a top performer. She rose through the ranks to become the Senior Manager in charge of Financial Accounting and Management Accounting at the airline, where she was responsible for managing the company’s financial operations and providing strategic financial guidance to the executive team.

As also the Global Financial Controller of AirlinePros, Marilyn is responsible for overseeing the company’s global financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis. She works closely with other senior leaders to develop financial strategies that support the company’s goals and objectives.

  • REGION:
  • Africa & Middle East
  • LOCATION:
  • Windhoek
  • EMAIL: