ST Aero's new Panama facility launches operations

Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero) has secured regulatory approval for its new maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Panama, which has just inducted its first aircraft from anchor customer Copa.

The Singapore-headquartered MRO group says in a statement that Panama Aerospace Engineering inducted its first aircraft on 12 May after receiving certification from Panama’s Autoridad Aeronautica Civil. The first aircraft is a Boeing 737-700 from Copa and it will have a ‘4C’ check performed as well as additional modifications.

ST Aero announced early last year that it planned to open an MRO facility in Panama and later in the year was contracted by Panamanian carrier Copa to provide maintenance services on its 22 737-700/800s.

Panama Aerospace Engineering is located at the former Howard Air Force Base in Panama. ST Aero has said the new wholly owned facility will have four hangars capable of accommodating 12 narrowbody aircraft simultaneously.