Panama Approves Purchase of Two Bell 407 GXi Helicopters

The Cabinet Council approved Resolution No. 000 on Tuesday, authorizing the Ministry of Public Security to purchase two Bell 407 GXi helicopters from Bell Textron INC. for B/.10,490,066.00, including 7% tax. The funds for this purchase come from the insurance payout recovered after the AN-141 helicopter crash in Calobre on September 10, 2023. These helicopters, offering exceptional performance in heat and high altitude, are equipped with an integrated navigation, communication, and flight control system, ensuring greater situational awareness and operational safety. The proposal from Bell Textron Inc. includes the supply of two BELL 407 GXi helicopters capable of quickly transporting passengers and cargo nationally and regionally. These two new aircraft are essential for the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), as they will allow it to protect the airspace, maritime area, and submarine continental platform, as well as the navigable, river, and lake waters of the Republic of Panama. This acquisition is also a tribute to the three fallen SENAN comrades who died in the line of duty. The Cabinet resolution highlights that although SENAN frequently conducts passenger and cargo transport operations nationwide, its aerial capabilities have been limited. This acquisition will enable SENAN to continue efficiently performing its constitutional and legal functions for the benefit of nationals and foreigners in Panamanian territory and to provide humanitarian aid to other countries in the region. The purchase aims to counteract the decline in the entity's operational capabilities caused by the deterioration and expiration of the aircraft's service life. The state received B/.13.4 million from the policy, so the difference in these funds will be allocated to three other projects.