KLM to launch Direct Flights to Panama

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is to launch direct flights between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Panama City Tocumen Airport in summer 2008. Effective March 30, 2008 KLM will operate three weekly non-stop flights between Amsterdam and this destination in Central America.

The new KLM flight will be operated with Mc Donnell Douglas MD-11 equipment, offering a total of 294 seats; 24 in World Business Class and 270 in Economy Class.

Flight KL757 will depart from Amsterdam on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 13:30 hours landing in Panama City at 17:40 hours the same day.

Return flight KL758 will depart Panama City Tocumen Airport on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 19:35 hours, arriving in Amsterdam at 13:10 hours the next day.

The new service will offer at both ends numerous connections to beyond flights operated by KLM from Amsterdam and to beyond flights operated by COPA Airlines from Panama City. COPA Airlines has recently joined SkyTeam as Associate Member.

The new, KLM operated route will further consolidate the strong market presence of Air France KLM in Latin America. COPA Airlines has made Panama City Tocumen Airport an important hub airport in the region, with over 60 regional flights per day

Panama has one of Latin America’s fastest growing economies with heavy investments in both the public and private sectors. One of the major infrastructural projects is the expansion of the Panama Canal, to double the capacity and enabling it to take much bigger ships. Other ambitious projects are a new US$ 7 billion oil refinery plant and expanding existing and building new sea ports. Many foreign companies invest and trade in the country, especially in the banking sector.

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