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Compania Panamena de Aviacion, S.A., branded as Copa Airlines (IATA: CM), is the flag carrier of Panama, headquartered in Panama City with its main hub at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), known as the “Hub of the Americas.” Founded on June 21, 1944, and commencing operations on August 15, 1947, Copa Airlines has grown from a small domestic carrier to a major international airline, serving 85 destinations in 33 countries across North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. A proud member of the Star Alliance since June 2012, Copa is a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A., which also owns Copa Airlines Colombia and the low-cost carrier Wingo. Renowned for its punctuality—named Latin America’s most punctual airline by Cirium for eight consecutive years (2013–2020) and the world’s second most punctual by OAG in 2023—Copa Airlines operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737s, carrying over 14 million passengers annually (2023). With a commitment to safety, connectivity, and customer satisfaction, its slogan, “We connect the Americas,” reflects its mission to bridge the continent efficiently.
Copa Airlines was established in 1944 by Panamanian investors and Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), which held a 33% stake and provided three Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Operations began in 1947, serving domestic routes to David, Colón, and Panama City. In the 1960s, Copa entered international markets with flights to Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Colombia using Avro 748s and Electra 188s. Pan Am divested its stake in 1971, leaving Copa under Panamanian control via CIASA. The 1980s marked a shift to international focus, with domestic flights discontinued by 2001 and the acquisition of its first jet, a Boeing 737-100, in 1980.
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Copa Airlines operates from its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), leveraging Panama’s geographic position for efficient connections. Focus cities include Bogotá (BOG), Guatemala City (GUA), San José (SJO), and Managua (MGA).