Thales Strengthens Panama’s Air Traffic Management Capabilities with Comprehensive Upgrade

Thales to modernise the Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil de Panamá (AAC)’s Air Traffic Control Centre in Panama © Thales

(IN BRIEF) Thales will modernise the Air Traffic Control Centre of Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority by delivering a full suite of advanced air traffic management solutions designed to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Implemented in partnership with SOFRATESA, the project supports Panama’s preparation for significant growth in flight movements and passenger numbers, with annual traffic expected to exceed 200,000 flights and 20 million passengers. Drawing on more than 40 years of regional experience, Thales will support air traffic management across the Panama Flight Information Region while reinforcing the country’s position as a leading aviation hub in the Americas.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 18-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales has been selected to deliver a comprehensive upgrade of the Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil de Panamá’s Air Traffic Control Centre, deploying a full suite of advanced air traffic management solutions to support the country’s rapidly growing aviation sector. The project aims to strengthen operational safety, efficiency, and sustainability as Panama prepares to accommodate significant increases in flight movements and passenger volumes in the coming years.

The modernisation programme will equip the AAC with Thales’ latest air traffic management technologies, including the TopSky ATC system, Aeronautical Message Handling System, Aeronautical Information Services, eAIP and AIXM solutions, along with an integrated Voice Communication System, billing platform, and Voice Recording Systems. Thales will implement the project in collaboration with its local partner, SOFRATESA, operating as part of a dedicated consortium.

Panama’s aviation sector has experienced strong growth, underscored by a record 14.8 percent increase in aircraft movements in 2024, reaching 152,813 operations compared with 133,084 in 2022. With the upgraded systems in place, the AAC is preparing for annual flight movements to surpass 200,000 and passenger traffic to exceed 20 million. The investment supports Panama’s role as a major regional hub, reinforcing its position as the Air Connection Centre of the Americas linking the continent with Europe and other global destinations.

Under the agreement, Thales will ensure efficient air traffic management across the Panama Flight Information Region, drawing on more than four decades of experience in Central America and the Caribbean. The project builds on Thales’ long-standing relationship with Panama, where the company has supported air traffic control centres and navigation systems for over ten years.

The initiative also benefits from Thales’ broader regional expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Group’s Air Traffic Management Integration and Service Centre in Mexico City will play a key role by providing technical support and skills development throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Capt. Rafael Bárcenas, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama, said the partnership with Thales and SOFRATESA reinforces the institution’s commitment to operational safety, improves air traffic management efficiency, and supports the adoption of advanced technologies aligned with international standards and sector growth. Youzec Kurp, Vice President of Airspace Mobility Solutions at Thales, described the collaboration as an important step in the continued modernisation and sustainable expansion of Panama’s civil aviation system, supported by Thales’ proven technology and long-term partnership approach.

Across Latin America, Thales plays a central role in air traffic management infrastructure, with more than 220 radars, 500 navigation aids, and 30 air traffic control centres deployed throughout the region. The company has also led innovation initiatives, including the world’s first fully solar-powered air traffic control radar station in Chile’s Atacama Desert, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and resilient aviation systems.

About Thales

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.

About Thales in Latin America

With six decades of presence in Latin America, Thales is a global technology leader in the Defense, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, and Digital sectors. The group invests in digital and “deep tech” innovations – Big Data, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity, and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust.
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​The company has 2,500 employees in the region, distributed across seven countries – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Panama – and has ten offices, five factories, and service and engineering centres in all the sectors in which it operates.
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​Through strategic partnerships and innovative projects, Thales in Latin America drives sustainable growth and strengthens its ties with governments and public and private institutions, as well as airports, airlines, banks, and telecommunications and technology companies.

Media Relations
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SOURCE: Thales