News

Copa Airlines announced aggressive growth plays for the year ahead, including more than $1.7 billion for the expansion of the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

Copa expects to serve 88 destinations in 32 countries with a fleet of 114 aircraft by year’s end.  As it develops Panama as the “Hub of the Americas,” Copa expects to transport more than 18.5 million passengers in 2025, representing an 8% growth compared to 2024.

News of Copa’s growth is good news for Panama and the tourism and real estate sectors.

“Our growing network not only connects travelers but also invites more tourists to discover Panama’s beauty,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. “A better-connected Panama creates endless possibilities.” 

By September 2025, Copa Airlines expects to operate more than 375 daily flights. Recent  expansion includes new routes to San Diego, California, marking the airline’s 17th U.S. destination, as well as Tucumán and Salta in Argentina, bringing its total Argentine destinations to six.

The $1.7 million investment in the fleet was the eye opener. The increase to 114 aircraft would be a jump from 102 at the end of 2024. Currently, Copa Airlines has 57 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on order, scheduled for delivery over the next five years.

Copa specifically highlighted the success of the Panama Stopover program, which encourages travelers to stop in Panama on their way to other destinations without additional airfare. Developed in partnership with the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and PROMTUR Panama, in 2024, more than 160,000 tourists had taken advantage of the initiative, a 25% increase from 2023. By the end of 2025, Copa expects 185,000 passengers to take advantage of the program, representing a solid growth curve.