Thales to modernise AAC Air Traffic Control Centre in Panama

• Thales to implement a full suite of advanced air traffic management solutions to enhance the Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil de Panamá (AAC)’s operational capabilities.
• This project, which leverages Thales’s 40+ years of experience in air traffic management (ATM) across Central America and the Caribbean, reinforces the safety and efficiency of regional aviation.
• The upgraded systems will enable AAC to effectively manage the anticipated growth of more than 20 million passengers in the coming years.

Thales will modernize the AAC’s Air Traffic Control Centre. This project includes a full suite of advanced solutions, such as TopSky - ATC, AMHS, AIS, eAIP/AIXM, as well as a Voice Communication System (VCS), a billing system and voice recording systems (VRS). Thales will work closely with its local partner, SOFRATESA, as part of a consortium to implement this project.

The AAC seeks to establish a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable civil aviation system that will strengthen Panama’s global prestige in aviation. The country has seen remarkable growth, with a record 14.8% increase in aircraft movements in 2024, totalling 152,813 operations compared to 133,084 in 2022. With this system modernisation, Panama consolidates and strengthens its regional leadership as the Air Connection Centre of the Americas, serving as a bridge between America, Europe, and other destinations. Flight movements are projected to exceed 200,000 annually and passenger traffic to exceed 20 million in the coming years.

To support this growth, Thales will ensure efficient air traffic management throughout the Panama Flight Information Region. This partnership builds on Thales’s deep roots in the region, where it celebrates 40 years in Central America and the Caribbean, and over a decade supporting Panama with air traffic control centres and navigation systems.

Thales has also pioneered modernisation projects throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Group’s Air Traffic Management Integration & Service Centre in Mexico City provides support and skills development in the region and will be instrumental in this contract.

“This project, resulting from the alliance with Thales and Sofratesa, strengthens the institution’s firm commitment to operational safety, improves efficiency in air traffic management, and promotes the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, in line with the growth of the aviation sector and the highest international standards.” Capt. Rafael Bárcenas, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama.

“This collaboration marks a significant step in the continued modernisation and sustainable growth of Panama’s civil aviation sector, underpinned by Thales’s proven technology and enduring partnership commitment.” Youzec Kurp, Vice President of Airspace Mobility Solutions, Thales.

With a strong presence in Latin America, Thales plays a leading role in shaping the region’s air traffic management infrastructure with the deployment of more than 220 radars, 500 navaids, and 30 Air Traffic Control Centres, supporting safe and efficient skies across the continent. The Group also pioneered the world’s first 100% solar powered Air Traffic Control radar station located in Calama, in the Chilean Desert. This extensive presence underscores Thales’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnerships with aviation authorities across the region.

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.