News

By Duncan Mcgowan

During his recent U.K. trip, Pres. Juan Carlos Varela talked with the major British airlines about establishing direct flights from London to Panama City, which could dramatically increase tourist and business travel from Europe.

British Airways agreed to work on a feasibility study, exploring the possibility of a new route, according to coverage in El Capital Financiero. Varela also met with representatives of Virgin Atlantic,

Proposals to add flights from London have come up several times over the years, the newspaper notes. But there are several new factors, including Panama’s region-leading economic growth and the upcoming opening of a second terminal at Tocumen International Airport, designed by Foster + Partners.

There is always a direct co-relation between international property sales and direct air connections, which makes any sign of progress good news for the industry. The recent launch of direct flights from China is a good example of how new flights can change the dynamic of a market.

British Airways flights would be a big win. The airline flies 45 million travelers a year, with connections around the world, the paper notes.

Clearly, connections are growing between Europe and Panama. A few days ago Lufthansa announced it is going to add another flight from Frankfurt to Panama City, starting in November. Lufthansa already offers five flights a week between Germany and Panama.

“Since the launch of the route two years ago,” said Felipe Bonifatti, general manager of the Lufthansa’s Central America and the Caribbean operation. “We have seen tremendous growth in demand not only from the corporate sector but also from leisure travelers interested in flying to Europe and beyond.”

The flight from Panama City to Germany will be one of the pioneering routes of Lufthansa’s new “Dream Collection,” which offers business class travelers special sleeping accommodations and a nightshirt for long-haul flights.