Felipe Escalona

Partner 

Aviation | Estate Planning and International Corporate Services | Immigration

Experience

Felipe leads the Estate Planning and Private Clients practice area at DELCO, where he stands out as an expert in structuring and managing family offices, private interest foundations, and trusts. His focus is on providing personalized solutions that protect and optimize his clients’ wealth, covering everything from succession planning to comprehensive asset management.

In the field of aviation law, Felipe is recognized for his deep knowledge of regulatory aspects and aircraft financing. He has advised various airlines on starting their operations in Panama, guiding them through compliance with regulations and managing their relationships with the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC). His experience includes contract negotiation and participation in bidding processes with Tocumen International Airport.

Felipe has been actively involved in the financing of commercial and private aircraft, bringing his expertise to contract structuring and financial operations optimization. His detailed knowledge of the aviation sector and his participation in specialized conferences position him as a leading figure in the industry.

With a solid business background, Felipe combines his legal expertise with a deep understanding of his clients’ commercial needs, allowing him to offer strategic and practical solutions. He has assisted foreign companies in establishing themselves in Panama and continues to support them in their day-to-day operations. His expertise spans multiple industries, including aviation, banking and finance, consumer goods, logistics and transportation, tourism, and insurance, ensuring comprehensive and personalized advice.

Recognitions

  • Next Generation Partner in Aviation Law, by Legal 500 – Latin America (2022, 2023, and 2024)
  • Recommended Lawyer in Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, by Legal 500 – Latin America (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024)
  • Recommended Lawyer in the Aviation and Insurance industry in Panama, by IFLR Financial & Corporate Guide (2014)

Education

  • Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) – Instituto de Empresa (IE Business School), Madrid, Spain (2008)
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Political Science – Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (Magna Cum Laude, 2007)

Associations

  • Academy of the History of Panamanian Aviation
  • Correspondent for the Aeronautical Magazine FLAP from Brazil and the official IATA media AeroLatin News