PANAMA:Copa Airlines Celebrates Arrival Of 100th Airplane

Copa Airlines {NYSE: CPA}, subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A., and member of the Star Alliance global airline network, today celebrated an important milestone in the history of the airline and of Panama – the arrival of the 100th aircraft in its modern fleet, a state-of-the-art Boeing 737-800 Next Generation, with seating for 16 passengers in Business Class and 144 in the main cabin.

Copa’s 100th aircraft represents the capacity and scope of a Panamanian multinational company that is proud to have become one of the world’s most important airlines, as well as a mainstay of international trade, tourism and job creation in Panama and in many other countries in Latin America.

“We are proud to celebrate this historic achievement for our company and for the country – a result of the efforts of our more than 9,000 dedicated coworkers, and the support of our customers, suppliers, partners and government entities,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. “This aircraft symbolizes our airline’s steady growth during its 68-year history, as well as the strengthening of Panama’s connectivity with the world and its reputation as a major logistics and tourism center, all of which translate to better opportunities for development for the country and for all Panamanians.”

A number of Copa Airlines’ executives, employees, special guests and media attended an event at Boeing facilities in Seattle, Wash., to celebrate delivery of Copa’s 100th aircraft, tour the facility and receive a briefing on the complex aircraft-production manufacturing process.

Later, after more than seven hours in fight, aircraft No. 100 piloted by Captain Anel Wong touched down for the first time in Panama City. Captain Wong, Copa Airlines’ most senior pilot, formally presented the aircraft to Copa Airlines executives at a reception in an airline hangar, where more than 150 government officials, members of Copa Holdings’ Board of Directors, and airline employees were gathered. Airline executives presented the keys of aircraft No. 100 to the 15 Copa employees who have been with the company the longest, in appreciation for their dedication and careers with the airline.

“The growth of Copa Airlines goes hand in hand with the growth of Panama. With the arrival of our 100th aircraft, we will continue to contribute to the growth of tourism, and to the logistics and service sectors, as well as continue to be a major source of employment for Panama,” said Vidalia de Casado, Vice President, On-board Service, Copa Airlines. “This achievement belongs to all our coworkers – those people whose work, dedication and daily efforts have made Copa Airlines a leading airline in the region.”

Copa’s fleet now consists of 77 Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft. In April, the airline signed an order for 61 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Based on the strengths of the current 737 Next Generation, the 737 MAX incorporates the latest high-tech CFM international LEAP-1B motors, winglets and other enhancements to provide the greatest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in narrow-body (single-aisle) aircraft. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 14 percent improvement in fuel consumption above that of the majority of the most efficient single-aisle aircraft.

Copa Airlines’ passengers can make rapid and convenient connections to 74 destinations in 31 countries in North Central and South America and the Caribbean through the Hub of the Americas in Panama City, the airline hub with the most international connections in all Latin America.

For the past two consecutive years, FlightStats has recognized Copa Airlines as the "Best Airline in Latin America” for its on-time performance and quality of service.