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Copa Airlines of Panama
has become the first carrier in North, Central and South America to operate the Boeing 737-700 with
advanced winglet technology. The distinctive winglets reduce drag and provide greater fuel
efficiency, increasing range capability by up to 115 nautical miles.
Delivered July 5, the airplane is the ninth Boeing
Next-Generation 737-700 to be delivered to Copa. Boeing will deliver three more this year, making
Copa's fleet one of the youngest in Latin America. Each 737-700 will feature the distinctive,
performance-enhancing winglets.
"Copa Airlines already flies four of the longest
Next-Generation 737 routes in the world," said John Wojick, vice president of Sales for Latin
America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It's incredibly rewarding to see a
valued customer like Copa reap the benefits of operating these airplanes to their
fullest potential."
For instance, Copa achieved 92 percent on-time
performance in the first quarter of 2002.
"Our modern fleet has enabled us to lower
maintenance costs, increase reliability, operate more nonstop routes from Panama City, and add
routes throughout the Americas," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.
Copa operates out of its "Hub of the Americas in
Panama" at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, positioning it as a major time-saving hub on
routes between North and South America and the Caribbean. Its newest 737 will
be used on routes from Panama City, Panama, to Medellin, Colombia,
and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. |
