Finmeccanica Delivers Helicopter Ambulance

Panama and Finmeccanica came to terms on commercial disagreements involving a $250 million defense contract in an official ceremony at which the company delivered a helicopter ambulance to Vice President Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarad and the Ambassador of Panama to Italy, Fernando Berguido.

The company will also help with the training of four pilots and four mechanics, a total value of $8.1 million. The deal was reached in recognition of the 10% surcharge in the original defense contract signed in 2010 by the previous administration with Finmeccanica.

The training will take place over two months in Italy and Switzerland. The company will also pay for maintenance and parts for the helicopter ambulance over the next three years.

The vice president explained that the dispute had a ”happy ending" and that she is glad that the dispute over the contract is “in the past.”

She also highlighted the work of Ambassador Berguido in negotiating the deal, saying the resolution "opens up many possibilities for the development of the Panamanian people."