USMP Upgrades Aeronautical Training Fleet with Tecnam P2008JC MkII Aircraft

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

In a significant step for aviation education in Peru, the Universidad de San Martín de Porres (USMP) has officially acquired two new Tecnam P2008JC MkII single-engine training aircraft. According to a May 14, 2026, press release from Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam, this acquisition is aimed at modernizing the university’s training fleet and expanding its operational capacity.

The move directly impacts the 441 students currently enrolled in USMP’s Aeronautical Sciences program. By integrating modern, airline-grade equipment into its curriculum, the university seeks to optimize flight scheduling and ensure its graduates are prepared for the rigorous demands of the global commercial aviation sector.

Modernizing the USMP Training Fleet

USMP, recognized as one of the largest private universities in Peru, launched its Aeronautical Sciences program in 2012. The manufacturer’s announcement notes that the program was established to cultivate top-tier aviation professionals for both domestic and international markets. The addition of the two Tecnam aircraft represents a critical upgrade to the institution’s training infrastructure.

In the official release, Cesar Cabrera, Director of the School of Aeronautical Sciences at USMP, emphasized the importance of the acquisition for the student body:

“The incorporation of these two Tecnam P2008JC MkII aircraft marks a fundamental milestone for our faculty. This strengthening of our fleet ensures that our students are trained under international standards, giving them the necessary tools to respond to the challenges of the global aviation environment and satisfying society’s demand for skilled professionals.”

Technical Profile: The Tecnam P2008JC MkII

Hybrid Airframe and Advanced Avionics

The Tecnam P2008JC MkII is tailored specifically for Flight Training Organizations (FTOs). According to the provided specifications, the aircraft utilizes a hybrid airframe technology that combines a lightweight carbon-fibre fuselage with metal wings and a metal stabilator. This design choice is intended to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity while providing a spacious cabin for instructors and students.

Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped with the Garmin G3X Touch avionics suite, which features two large 10.6-inch screens. Tecnam highlights that this “glass cockpit” configuration mirrors the advanced systems found in modern commercial airliners, thereby smoothing the students’ transition from the academy to airline operations.

Efficiency and Sustainability

Powering the P2008JC MkII is a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 S2 engine. The manufacturer reports that the aircraft is highly fuel-efficient, consuming approximately 17 liters (4.5 gallons) per hour. It is also capable of running on both MOGAS and AVGAS. Combined with a quiet three-bladed propeller, these specifications drastically reduce the direct cost per flight hour and minimize the environmental footprint of frequent training operations.

Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer at Tecnam, noted the strategic alignment between the aircraft’s capabilities and the university’s goals:

“It is an honor for us to support the Universidad de San Martin de Porres in its vision to be the premier professional aviation school in Latin America. The P2008JC is the ideal training aircraft for this purpose, combining operational efficiency with a student-friendly flight experience. We are convinced that this partnership will strengthen USMP’s position as a benchmark in regional aeronautical education.”

Regional Support and Operational Continuity

To ensure maximum dispatch reliability, the delivery and subsequent maintenance of the aircraft are being facilitated by AEROTEC, Tecnam’s exclusive dealer and service center for Latin America. The press release confirms that AEROTEC will provide comprehensive, localized support, including fleet integration, operational guidance, and after-sales service.

Diego Cardama, Director of AEROTEC, highlighted the logistical advantages of this partnership in the company statement:

“We are extremely proud to support Universidad de San Martin de Porres in their fleet modernization. The P2008JC MkII is the perfect platform for the demanding training environments in our region. This delivery highlights the growing footprint of Tecnam in South America and our absolute commitment to providing top-tier sales and maintenance support to the institutions shaping the next generation of Latin American aviators.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe that USMP’s investment is indicative of a broader trend among Latin American aviation academies. As global airlines increasingly demand pilots proficient in advanced avionics, regional flight schools are under pressure to upgrade from legacy analog trainers to modern glass-cockpit aircraft. Furthermore, the emphasis on the Rotax engine’s fuel efficiency, specifically its 17 liters per hour consumption rate, underscores the growing financial and environmental pressures on flight training organizations globally. By securing localized maintenance support through AEROTEC, USMP is also mitigating supply chain risks that frequently ground training fleets in South America, ensuring operational continuity for its 441 enrolled students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many aircraft did USMP acquire?
According to the manufacturer’s press release, USMP acquired two (2) Tecnam P2008JC MkII single-engine training aircraft.

How many students are currently in the USMP Aeronautical Sciences program?
The program currently enrolls 441 students, all of whom stand to benefit from the modernized fleet.

What avionics system does the Tecnam P2008JC MkII use?
The aircraft is equipped with the Garmin G3X Touch suite, featuring two 10.6-inch screens to simulate a modern commercial airliner’s glass cockpit.

What is the fuel consumption of the new aircraft?
Tecnam states that the Rotax 912 S2 engine consumes approximately 17 liters (4.5 gallons) per hour.

Sources

• Tecnam Press Release