Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A. and a member of the Star Alliance global airline network, announced the signing of a new agreement with U.S. manufacturer Boeing and GE Aerospace for the purchase of up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, representing an estimated investment of US$13.5 billion at list prices.

This order is in addition to the 40 aircraft already pending delivery under the current agreement, allowing the airline to incorporate more than 100 new aircraft over the next eight years and project a fleet of over 200 aircraft by 2034, further strengthening its growth and expansion plan in the region.

“This agreement marks an important step for Copa Airlines as we continue to strengthen our operations and the connectivity we provide from Panama,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.

“Through the Hub of the Americas®, we have established the region’s leading connectivity, offering the most destinations and flights, along with the best on-time performance in the Americas. The addition of new aircraft will be key to expanding our network while continuing to support Panama’s economic development by creating jobs and driving growth in the tourism sector.”

The new aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2030 and 2034, subject to changes in the delivery schedule, and may be used both for fleet growth and to replace existing aircraft, depending on the airline’s needs during that period. The agreement provides Copa with the flexibility to select from among the 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10 models, allowing the airline to optimize its fleet composition based on demand, capacity requirements, and growth plans.

“Copa Airlines’ ability to connect destinations across the Americas and the Caribbean with a modern 737 fleet provides travelers with a world-class travel option,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“With a current fleet of 50 737 MAX aircraft, and continuing to grow, Copa is a leader in a dynamicregional aviation market and will continue to be a driver of economic growth across the region.”

Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, added: “At CFM, we are proud of our decades-long relationship with Copa Airlines. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by LEAP engines will further strengthen Copa’s position as one of the leading airlines in Latin America as it continues to expand and modernize its route network across the continent.”

The agreement was signed during a ceremony in Panama City, attended by Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace; and Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines and Chairman of the Board of Copa Holdings. The event was also attended by the President of the Republic of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, and the U.S. Ambassador, Kevin Marino Cabrera, highlighting the importance of the agreement for Panama’s economic growth and connectivity.

With this new acquisition, Copa Airlines continues to strengthen its network through the Hub of the Americas®, connecting nearly 90 destinations in 32 countries across North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean, offering fast and convenient connections throughout the region.

About Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, is a leading airline in passengers and cargo in Latin America. In its 76 years of operation, it has established the Hub of the Americas® in Panama City as the continent’s premier connections center. With a very modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Copa Airlines serves countries in North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean. The airline consistently achieves top on-time performance results on the continent and among the best in the world. Copa Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, the world’s most relevant airline network, and offers the ConnectMiles frequent traveler program, allowing accumulation and redemption of miles across more than 25 airlines worldwide. To plan your trip, purchase tickets and manage reservations, use Web Check-in, and find information on travel policies and requirements, please visit www.copa.com.

Featured image credited to Copa Airlines

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