Copa Airlines ordered 40 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from the U.S. planemaker and secured options for 20 more jets, deepening its long-term bet on a single-fleet strategy built around narrowbody aircraft.
The order had previously been listed as unidentified in Boeing’s backlog and was formally announced during a signing ceremony in Panama City attended by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino.
Combined with existing commitments, Copa said it expects to add more than 100 737 MAX aircraft in the coming years.
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“The addition of new aircraft will be key to continuing to expand our operations and route network,” Chief Executive Pedro Heilbron said.
Copa has built one of the most efficient hub models in the Americas by using Panama’s geographic location to funnel passengers between North America, Latin America and the Caribbean through Tocumen International Airport.
The airline operates an all-737 fleet, which simplifies maintenance, training and scheduling across its network.
According to Planespotters, Copa currently has 116 aircraft, including 57 Boeing 737-800s, 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, 32 Boeing 737 MAX 9s and nine Boeing 737-700s. Three aircraft are listed as parked.
The airline did not disclose which variants are included in the new order and did not indicate whether it could eventually add the Boeing 737 MAX 10, the largest version of the family, which can seat up to 230 passengers and is still awaiting certification.
Copa serves 88 destinations in 32 countries across the Americas and the Caribbean.
