Panama City will host the second annual Aero Expo Panama Pacifico (AEPP) business aviation show from April 20 to 21, 2017 at the Panama Pacifico International Airport. Organizers say they expect to double the number of visitors from the 500 who came to the 2016 event to 1,000 next year.

According to AEPP officials, the Latin American economy has seen an average 7 percent annual growth in the last five years and this will continue to drive up demand for business aviation across the region. Most of the 25 exhibitors at the 2016 show are confirmed to return in 2017. These included Dassault Falcon, Embraer Executive Jets, Pilatus, Rockwell Collins, Lufthansa and CAE. The number of airplanes on display has not been confirmed but the 2017 show is expanding its static display to include helicopters.

The AEPP program will include panel discussions and seminars on topics such as safety, regulations, finance and airport development, as well as the general state of business aviation in Latin America. Speakers will include Jay Faria, president of asset management specialist Airtrade Aviation, and Jaime Fabrega, president of local industry group Asociación Panameña de Aviación.

“This will be a more diverse show as [it is] open to helicopters and [features] more participants,” AEPP founder Yvan Boniface told AIN. “But basically it’s the same format, as we got great feedback from last year’s participants: a static display, an indoor exhibit hall, and workshops. We will also offer a networking soirée in one of our partner hotels as we realize that most of our visitors come to meet new potential buyers and partners to expand their businesses in the region. This is going to be a great party, with a Latin flavor.”

The airport will sponsor the event for the second consecutive year, while Agencia Panama Pacifico and Copa Airlines will continue to support the show.