Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines has opened its wallet and has signed for further Boeing single-aisle aircraft.
Copa has signed an order for 40 737 MAX airplanes. Under the agreement, Copa Airlines also has options to acquire up to 20 more single-aisle aircraft, bringing its total to 60. This order was previously listed as an unidentified customer by Boeing.
Copa Airlines plans to expand its fleet by more than 100 737 MAX airplanes between this agreement and its existing order book, as it seeks to expand its network from Panama City, utilising the 737 MAX’s efficiency, range and capacity to its benefit.
From the release, the airline will take on the Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-9 from this order, although no splits have been identified by either Boeing or Copa. The mixture will allow Copa Airlines to fly high-density shorter flights and some of the world’s longest 737 MAX routes ─ connecting Panama with North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The airline also benefits from operational commonality across its fleet of more than 110 737 jets, which includes the Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX, and 737 Boeing Converted Freighters. They use these aircraft to connect 88 destinations in 32 countries across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
The order follows on from one made in 2015, as well as the 737-10 order that was made in 2021.
In Quotes
Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.
“For Copa Airlines, the signing of this agreement represents an important step in further strengthening the operation and connectivity we provide from Panama,” said
“Through the Hub of the Americas, we have built a connecting hub that today allows us to respond to market demand with a safe, efficient, and reliable operation. The addition of new aircraft will be key to continuing to expand our operations and route network, while supporting the economic development of Panama and the region, generating new jobs and growth in the tourism sector.“
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added
“This major order builds on more than 40 years of partnership with Copa and the airline’s history of success with the Boeing 737 family,”
“The additional 737 MAX aircraft will help Copa maintain one of the world’s youngest and most capable fleets, while further supporting Panama as a key destination for business and tourism.”
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