Pedro Heilbron, executive president of the airline, indicated that between now and 2029 they expect to receive 43 new Boeing aircraft and are preparing another agreement related to the expansion of the air fleet.
The Panamanian airline Copa Airlines announced growth plans for the next four years, in which it expects to grow both in aircraft fleet, passenger movement and new destinations, which will in turn generate new employment opportunities.
Pedro Heilbron, executive president of the airline, reported that for this year they are projecting a 14% growth in available seat capacity.
In addition, they aim to increase the number of flights from 370 daily to 500 daily flights by 2029 and reach more than 27 million passengers within 4 years. And specifically for 2026, the Airline estimates to transport 20.9 million passengers.
He stressed that in the last year they have incorporated more than 13 destinations.
Heilbron announced that at the end of 2026 they estimate they will have a fleet of 121 aircraft and the delivery of 43 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is pending until 2029.
Likewise, he announced that at the end of this month of April they will have a new announcement related to a new agreement for the purchase of more aircraft.
He explained that the expansion of this fleet will also support the growth of the operation in the coming years.
“Copa Airlines supports the growth we are projecting, we remain focused on strengthening the pillars that support our operation: a solid route network, a modern fleet and the development of the talent that an expanding operation requires. In an environment where competition for connectivity is increasing, maintaining that capacity is essential for Panama,” he stated. Pedro Heilbron, executive president of Copa Airlines.
Regarding employment, Heilbron announced that they estimate to generate close to 400 new direct jobs in Panama this year, to which will be added the hiring of 1,000 additional people to support the natural rotation of the operation by people who retire, in areas such as operational personnel, cabin crew, pilots, aviation mechanics and administrative functions.
He specified that in the next four years, the projected growth will allow the creation of more than 2,100 direct job positions in the country..
He added that in 2026, ALAS, the Pilot Academy, plans to graduate around 65 Panamanian pilots, while the Academy of Aeronautical Technicians (ATA) plans to train 50 aeronautical technicians and the Academy of Cabin Crew estimates the graduation of 415 new professionals by the end of that same year.
Copa Airlines plans to increase its economic contribution to the country in 2026, with a calculated contribution of $1.4 billion annually, distributed among the treasury, government institutions, payroll payment and contracting of suppliers.
The figure represents an increase of $100 million compared to 2025, when the airline generated an economic impact of $1.3 billion.
