Copa Holdings, S.A.'s subsidiary and a member of the global Star Alliance airline network, Copa Airlines (CM), has announced its expansion plans for 2023.

The initiatives for the year aim to strengthen the Hub of the Americas®, the primary connection center in the region, by expanding the network of destinations and flight frequencies and improving the fleet of aircraft.

Copa Expansion Plans 2023

As part of its 2023 expansion plans, Copa Airlines has announced the addition of 15 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to their current order at an investment of $2.1 billion.

These aircraft are expected to be delivered within the next 5 years and will supplement the existing 2015 order. By the end of 2023, the airline will receive six more Boeing 737 MAX9, bringing its total fleet count to 99 aircraft, including 32 B737 MAX9, 58 B737 800NB, and 9 B-737-7000NG.

Additionally, the airline plans to enhance the Latin American Aviation Academy (ALAS) training fleet by acquiring 8 new Diamond DA40/42 airplanes. These aircraft will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, facilitating learning while ensuring adherence to the highest safety standards.

The planes are also environmentally friendly, consuming up to 50% less fuel than the ones they will replace, promoting sustainability in the airline industry.

In addition, Copa Airlines stated that it would acquire a fifth Boeing 737 MAX flight simulator to improve the training of its pilots. This new simulator will increase the airline's training capacity to meet the rising demands of Copa Airlines.

Enhancing Panama's Connectivity

Copa Airlines plans to strengthen and increase connectivity in Panama by introducing three new destinations during the first quarter of 2023, including Baltimore and Austin in the United States and Manta in Ecuador.

With 80 destinations across 33 countries in the Americas, the airline's international connectivity surpasses other regional hubs, providing a competitive advantage for Panama.

The Hub of the Americas® plays a significant strategic role in the country's economy, and its unique connectivity has attracted airlines worldwide to supplement their flights to the Central American nation.

By adding three new routes and increasing flight frequencies to various destinations, Copa Airlines anticipates an 11% increase in passenger traffic in 2023 compared to 2022. By 2023, the airline expects to transport 16.1 million passengers while operating 328 daily flights, surpassing pre-pandemic levels."