Vero Beach, Fla., April 9, 2012 – Piper Aircraft Inc. has named Duran Aviation, Inc. as distributor for its new airplane sales in
Central America. Duran Aviation is a part of Company Consultenos, S.A., which is a family-owned company that is involved in several areas, including automotive, golfing, and real estate.
With hangar facilities at International Airport Marcos A. Gelabert (MPMG), serving Panama’s capital in Panama City, Duran Aviation will be responsible for marketing and selling the Piper Aircraft product line throughout Central America in Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Belize.
"The Duran family are successful businesspeople who operate with integrity in all of their business dealings and have been involved in aviation for some time," said Piper Head of Global Sales and Business Development Drew McEwen. "We are pleased to have them aboard and are looking forward to their contributions in Central America. Our aircraft are well-suited to the geography and climate in this part of the world."
"Panama and many parts of Central America are enjoying an economic boom," said Duran Aviation’s Roberto F. Duran, who leads the family’s business interests. "Local currency is the U.S. dollar, which gives Panama monetary stability, reinforced by more than 20 years of democratic government. The banking industry and real estate have experienced constant growth throughout the past decade, and the future for our region looks bright, especially with the on-going expansion of the Panama Canal. We are honored to add Piper Aircraft sales activities throughout Central America to our business portfolio."
About Duran Aviation
Roberto F. Duran started the Company Consultenos, S.A. in 1974 with the help of wife Maria Elena. What began as a financial and real estate consulting firm changed into the motor sport business with the acquisition of the Kawasaki brand in 1978. In the early 1980s the company ventured into the automobile business by importing brands such as Alfa Romeo, Porsche and Audi. The Volkswagen brand was acquired in 1992. The company concentrates mostly on the brands within the Volkswagen Group and Kawasaki Motors.
The company has ventured into the golf business by opening three stand-alone stores and acquiring representation of most exclusive brands of golf equipment and, most recently, E-Z-GO golf cars. Duran Aviation, Inc. was created to market Piper airplanes in the region.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida. A global force in aviation, Piper is an investment of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Brunei. The company offers efficient single-engine and twin-engine trainer, personal and business aircraft. With economical acquisition and operating costs, Piper airplanes deliver the best value available today and into the future. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
