Tecnam Delivers P2012 Traveller to Chilean DAP for Patagonia Flights

This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam Aircraft.

Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has officially delivered a new P2012 Traveller to Chilean aviation group DAP, marking a significant upgrade for regional connectivity in the challenging environments of Patagonia. The delivery was celebrated at the FIDAE Airshow in Santiago, Chile, following an extensive intercontinental ferry flight.

According to the official press release, the nine-passenger aircraft will be deployed to enhance DAP’s flight routes in the extreme south of Chile, with a primary focus on serving Porvenir in Tierra del Fuego. The P2012 Traveller is equipped with advanced anti-icing systems, full Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capabilities, and modern avionics designed to handle the demanding weather conditions typical of the region.

The acquisition represents a strategic investment for DAP, a company that has operated in remote and difficult geographic areas since 1980. The aircraft’s arrival underscores a growing commitment to modernizing regional fleets in South America, supported by robust local distribution networks.

The Intercontinental Ferry Flight

The delivery of the P2012 Traveller involved a grueling 11,000-nautical-mile (approximately 22,730 kilometers) ferry flight from Tecnam’s factory in Capua, Italy, to Santiago, Chile.

Departing on March 18, the aircraft navigated a complex route with technical stops in Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the United States, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It successfully arrived in Santiago on April 2. The flight was piloted by DAP instructors Antonio Chávez and Oleksandr Avramenko, who were joined by Italian pilot Francesco Frare from Cantor Air.

Official Handover at FIDAE

The ceremonial handover took place during the Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE) airshow, which runs from April 7 to 12. The event was attended by the Chilean Air Force Chief of Staff, highlighting the significance of the delivery. Following the exhibition, the aircraft is scheduled to fly to its permanent operational base in Punta Arenas.

Enhancing Patagonian Connectivity

The introduction of the P2012 Traveller is expected to significantly improve the reliability and comfort of passenger transport in Chilean Patagonia. The aircraft’s rugged design and aerodynamic stability make it particularly well-suited for the extreme southern climate.

In a statement provided in the press release, DAP Executive Director Nicolás Pivcevic emphasized the importance of the investment for the region.

“At DAP, we are very proud to have the most modern aircraft the world has to offer in this category. The investment in this aircraft not only ratifies DAP’s commitment to offering the best possible service to our loyal passengers, but also demonstrates the commitment and spirit of a regional enterprise prioritizing reinvestment in its own region.”

Local Support Network

The successful integration of the new aircraft is actively supported by Aerotec, Tecnam’s regional distributor for South America. Aerotec maintains a direct presence in Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, providing operational capabilities and a robust service network for the growing fleet of over 400 Tecnam aircraft on the continent.

Francesco Sferra, Tecnam’s P2012 Special Mission Platforms Sales & Business Development Manager, noted in the release that the challenging Patagonian environment serves as the “ultimate proving ground” for the aircraft’s reliability and advanced capabilities.

AirPro News analysis

The deployment of the Tecnam P2012 Traveller in Tierra del Fuego highlights a broader industry trend of replacing aging regional utility aircraft with modern, purpose-built twin-engine platforms. For operators like DAP, which frequently navigate some of the world’s most unforgiving weather conditions, the transition to aircraft with modern IFR and anti-icing capabilities is crucial for maintaining consistent and safe flight schedules. Furthermore, the successful 11,000-nautical-mile ferry flight serves as a practical demonstration of the P2012’s endurance and operational reliability, potentially attracting interest from other operators in remote regions of South America.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tecnam P2012 Traveller?

The Tecnam P2012 Traveller is a modern, twin-engine utility aircraft manufactured in Italy. It is designed to carry up to nine passengers and features state-of-the-art avionics, making it suitable for regional airlines and special mission operations.

Where will DAP operate the new aircraft?

According to Tecnam, DAP will operate the P2012 Traveller primarily on routes serving Porvenir in Tierra del Fuego, based out of Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia.

How did the aircraft get from Italy to Chile?

The aircraft completed an 11,000-nautical-mile ferry flight over two weeks, making technical stops in several countries including Scotland, Iceland, Canada, the United States, and Peru before arriving in Santiago.

Sources

• Tecnam Aircraft