Copa Airlines orders up to 60 737 MAX models

Boeing and Copa Airlines announced the Panamanian operator has ordered 40 737 MAX airplanes. Under the agreement, Copa Airlines also has options to acquire up to 20 more of the single-aisle airplane family. Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope were joined by President of Panama José Raúl Mulino, U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera and other government representatives at a signing ceremony in Panama to recognize the previously unidentified purchase. Copa Airlines plans to expand its fleet by more than 100 737 MAX airplanes between this agreement and its existing order book. The carrier will leverage the efficiency, range and capacity of its larger 737 MAX fleet to modernize and expand its network from its Hub of the Americas® to fly to popular destinations across the Americas and Caribbean. “For Copa Airlines, the signing of this agreement represents an important step in further strengthening the operation and connectivity we provide from Panama,” said Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. “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.” Heilbron said the airline 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. The versatility and reliability of the 737-9 and 737-8 airplanes enable 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. “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,” said Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “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.” The longtime 737 operator connects 88 destinations in 32 countries across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. CFM LEAP-1B engines to power Copa 737 MAX aircraft Copa Airlines and CFM International finalised an agreement for CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 40 firm and 20 option Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Pedro Heilbron, Chief Executive Officer of Copa Airlines, said, “For Copa Airlines, the signing of this agreement represents a significant step toward continuing to strengthen our operations and the connectivity we provide from Panama. Through the Hub of the Americas, we have consolidated our position as the leading connection center in the region, offering more flights and destinations, along with the best on-time performance in the Americas. Incorporating new aircraft will be key to further expanding our operations and destination network, as well as continuing to contribute to the economic development of Panama and the region by generating new jobs and driving growth in the tourism sector.” Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace said, “CFM is proud to have a decades-long relationship with Copa Airlines. The LEAP-powered 737 MAX will further strengthen Copa’s position as one of the leading carriers in Latin America as it expands its network and modernizes its fleet across the Americas.” Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International said, “We’re honored that Copa Airlines has again chosen to place its confidence in CFM. The LEAP-powered 737 MAX will be a powerful asset for Copa with the lower fuel consumption, longer range, and the high reliability that airlines value.” With more than 4,600 aircraft delivered to date, CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp in commercial aviation history. Advanced technologies like composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites deliver an engine for customers that is 15% more fuel efficient, with 15% lower carbon emissions than prior-generation CFM56 engines. Backed by advanced health monitoring systems and an open Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul ecosystem, CFM LEAP engines offer mature reliability and enable high asset utilisation for narrowbody aircraft. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]