Ayesa successfully completes its project management role in the Panama Metro development

Over the past 14 years, Ayesa, a global leader in technology and engineering solutions, has played a key role in developing both active lines of the Panama Metro, which spans 37 kilometres and includes 30 stations. As a leading technology services provider, the company also contributed to maintaining and enhancing the existing SAP ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system when it was awarded the contract by Metro de Panamá to ensure efficient business processes, planning, and operations.

Ayesa has established a reputation for its project management and innovative technology and engineering services in significant transportation infrastructure projects across Panama, with the Panama Metro being one of its flagship successes.

Catalyst for urban regeneration

As the first metro system of its kind in Central America, the Panama Metro is a significant catalyst for urban development in Panama City, home to more than two million people. The metro has enhanced public transport options, reduced travel times, and alleviated traffic congestion. It has also stimulated the local economy by attracting investment and promoting urban growth along its routes. Additionally, the metro has improved air quality and reduced carbon emissions by encouraging more people to use public transportation.

Ayesa role

Regarding Line 1, Ayesa provided project management services, supervision, interface coordination, and technical assistance for Line 2 over the course of more than five years; the company has now completed its administrative handover.

During this project timeframe, the metro system reported no significant incidents, which Ayesa credits to “an excellent team of local professionals committed to the project,” according to Raúl Bravo, head of Architecture and Management at Ayesa. He also emphasised the company’s commitment to further growth as a leading engineering firm in Panama.

A long history with the Panama metro

Ayesa has been heavily involved in developing both metro lines since 2010, when it began working on the project in partnership with Barcelona Metropolitan Transport (TMB) and Venezuelan firm Inelectra. Its role included overseeing design, managing supply, supervising construction, and ensuring the system was ready for launch in May 2013. Ayesa supported the Panama Metro with commissioning, staff training, and operations management through 2017.

For Line 2, Ayesa partnered with Louis Berger to provide project management, interface coordination, and technical assistance. Bravo described the contract as “fraught with technical challenges that required in-depth analysis and dedicated efforts to solve.” He credited the project’s success to Metro de Panamá’s trust in Ayesa and the contractors’ commitment and alignment to the project.

Technological consultancy

In 2015, Ayesa’s leadership in technology services was recognised when Metro de Panamá awarded the company a contract to support, maintain, and enhance its SAP ERP system. Ayesa effectively utilised the ASAP methodology to implement the system successfully, completing it through five key phases: initial preparation, business blueprint design, realisation, final preparation, and go-live support. This phased approach allows for structured progress and effective management, ensuring thorough testing and validation at each stage, which minimises risks and enhances overall system performance.