TASA (Turismo Aereo SA)

Operator Identification

1963* to 1969*

Panama

TYPE: Airline

IATA/ICAO CODES: -- / ---

HEADQUARTERS: Panama

OTHER NAMES: Nil

Operator History

TASA was a small airline in Panama seemingly linked to Los Hermanos Sebastian y Gomez. In 1963, the CIA probably had plans to use it as a front to conduct anti-Castro operations in Cuba, which apparently did not materialize. By 1969, TASA was noted operating scheduled services from Panama City to Darien and San Bias as wel as taxi and charter work using light aircraft.

Commando Operations

May 1963 to August 1963

TASA was deemed to receive two Commandos from Air Asia, a subsidiary of Air America in 1963 in support of a suspected CIA-backed anti-Castro operation. However, the project was apparently cancelled and the planes never came to Panama.

Commandos Operated

Curtiss C-46D-15-CU Commando: HP-314P (II) (NTU)
Curtiss C-46D-20-CU Commando: HP-315P (II) (NTU)

Last edited: 14/02/2024