Seven airlines in Asia, Europe and the UAE are discussing starting direct flights to Panama because of its facilities as a connection center for Latin America.
The most advanced negotiations are with Lufthansa and British Airways, said the manager of Tocumen S.A., Juan Carlos Pino.
"Meanwhile, Asian airlines that are already exploring mounting a hub in Panama are, Korean Air from Korea, and Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong , Singapore Airlines and EVA Airways from Taiwan", noted an article in Panamaamerica.com.pa.
All Nippon Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways have expressed interest in establishing a direct flight to Panama.
Cathay Pacific Airways has invited the Panamanian authorities to initiate a dialogue to establish a direct flight between Panama and Tokyo.
"According to a feasibility study conducted by All Nippon Airways (ANA), a regular service between Japan and Panama shows potential for four flights a week and between 20% and 30% of passengers would have Panama as the final destination", published Prensa.com
Condor Airlines plans to begin direct flights between Frankfurt and Panama by the end of the year.
Ernesto Orillac, spokesperson for the Panamanian Tourism Authority (ATP), added that negotiations are also well advanced to establish a direct flight between Panama and Japan operated by an Asian airline.
Although he mentioned no names, "a source close to the institution indicated that the operator is All Nippon Airways, whose representatives were in Panama at the end of 2009 to get to know the country," reports Prensa.com.