Chilean aviation group DAP has expanded its fleet with the addition of a brand-new Tecnam P2012 Traveller. Fresh from the factory in Capua, Italy, the aircraft has successfully landed in Santiago, proudly displaying the colours of the Magallanes region and the airline's corporate livery.

The P2012 Traveller represents a major strategic investment by DAP to enhance its flight routes in Patagonia, primarily serving Porvenir in Tierra del Fuego. With a capacity for nine passengers, the aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, full IFR capabilities, an advanced anti-icing system and exceptional aerodynamic stability, features essential for safely and comfortably navigating the demanding weather conditions of the extreme south.

The delivery of the aircraft was an extraordinary achievement in itself. Departing Italy on 18 March, the P2012 completed a gruelling 11,000 nm ferry flight. The route included technical stops in Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the US, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru before reaching Santiago on 2 April. The aircraft was expertly flown by DAP instructor pilots Antonio Chávez and Oleksandr Avramenko, alongside Italian pilot Francesco Frare from Cantor Air.

The official ceremonial handover of the new aircraft from Tecnam to DAP took place at the presence of the Chilean Air Force Chief of Staff in Santiago in Chile during the FIDAE (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio) airshow, running from April 7 to 12. Following the exhibition, the aircraft will fly to its operational base in Punta Arenas.

This milestone is actively supported by Aerotec, Tecnam's regional distributor for South America. With a direct presence in Chile, Argentina and Brazil, Aerotec guarantees exceptional operational capabilities and a robust service support network for DAP and the growing fleet of Tecnam aircraft across the continent.

Founded in1980, in Punta Arenas, Chile, the DAP Group is comprised of Aerovías DAP, Antarctic Airways, DAP Antártica, DAP Helicópteros, DAP Helicópteros Argentina, Mineral Airways, Aerorescate and DAP Mares. The company operates a diverse fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, capable of operating in the most difficult geographic and climatic conditions, in the most remote areas. DAP operates regular flights throughout Chilean Patagonia and conducts charter flights in northern Chile, Antarctica, Argentina and other international destinations.

Nicolás Pivcevic, executive director of DAP, comments on the acquisition: “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 prioritising reinvestment in its own region.”

Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 special mission platforms sales and business development manager, adds: “We are thrilled to see the P2012 Traveller flying in the colours of DAP. The challenging environment of Patagonia is the ultimate proving ground for the P2012's ruggedness, reliability and advanced capabilities. With the strong local support of our distributor Aerotec, we are confident this aircraft will be a game-changer for regional connectivity in Chile.”