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.