TOWER AIR - MARACAIBO

The story of Captain Alejandro "Ali" Torres Bueno and the rise of Tower Air in Maracaibo is a legendary chapter in Venezuelan aviation, representing a unique intersection of entrepreneurial grit and extraordinary skill. 

While many recognize the name "Tower Air" as the defunct U.S. 747 carrier, for those in the Zulia region and the broader produce and oil industries, Tower Air (Venezuela) was an entirely different beast. 

Founded by Captain Torres in 1977, the company became the largest Cessna dealer in the country and a vital logistical artery for the Lake Maracaibo oil fields. 

Captain Torres himself became a legendary figure, notably becoming the only foreign national to hold all seven FAA Certified Flight Instructor designations—a feat he achieved in 1987 that cemented his reputation as a master of the cockpit.

Under the leadership of Torres, Tower Air operated out of Maracaibo's La Chinita International Airport, providing essential charter services that kept the regional economy moving. 

The airline wasn't just about passenger transport; it was a rugged, high-stakes operation hauling everything from heavy machinery and dynamite for the oil industry to the delicate perishables that define our trade. 

For a veteran of the produce industry, the sight of Tower Air’s light aircraft—often Pipers and Cessnas—buzzing across the Venezuelan landscape was a sign that the logistical link between the fertile plains and the global market was in expert hands. 

The "legend" of Captain Torres was built on this reliability; he wasn't just an executive, but a teacher who personally certified hundreds of pilots, ensuring that the next generation could handle the demanding tropical conditions of the Americas.

The connection between aviation and the produce industry in Venezuela has always been one of necessity and shared ambition. 

Just as the Gildred family used their "Spirit of Goodwill" flights to foster international bonds, Captain Torres used Tower Air to build a domestic infrastructure that supported Venezuela’s growth for over two decades. 

His work ensured that even during the most turbulent economic shifts, the Zulia region remained connected to the world. 

For those of us who remember the vibrant trade eras of the 80s and 90s, Captain Torres remains a symbol of the "can-do" spirit that allowed the export of high-quality goods to thrive, long before the complexities of the modern era took hold.