Copa Airlines is celebrating a quarter-century of nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) from its hub in Panama City, Panama.
Since 7 February 2000, Copa has been a vital link between Orlando and Latin America, offering unparalleled connectivity and world-class service.
This milestone marks 25 years of seamless travel, bridging cultures, and boosting economies. In that time, the airline has created unforgettable experiences for many travelers across the Americas.
A Legacy of Connection
Copa Airlines is a subsidiary of Copa Holdings and a proud member of the Star Alliance network. The carrier has grown significantly since its inaugural Orlando flight.
Today, the airline operates an impressive 38 weekly flights from MCO to its Panama City hub. From there, travelers can easily connect to 85 destinations in 32 countries. Connections are now supported throughout North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
With 16 U.S. gateways, Copa provides more connections to and from the United States than any other hub in the region.
This extensive network makes Copa the leading airline for passenger and cargo transport in Latin America. Its 76-year history has solidified the Hub of the Americas® as the continent’s premier connection point.
Orlando: A Key Partner
Orlando holds a special place in Copa’s history. It was only the airline’s second U.S. destination, chosen for its strategic importance and vibrant tourism industry.
Orlando, renowned for its world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, attracts millions of visitors each year.
Its diverse population, including a large Latin American community, makes it a perfect fit for Copa’s services.
“For nearly three decades, Copa Airlines has been a vital connection between Orlando and Latin America,” says David DeFossey, Regional Commercial Manager for North America at Copa Airlines.
“We’ve fostered cultural exchange and economic growth while providing world-class service and unforgettable travel experiences. Central Florida’s thriving tourism, diverse businesses, and multicultural communities are incredibly important to us.”
“Our commitment to direct, reliable, and on-time service has not only made travel easier but has also strengthened connections between diverse communities.”
Celebrating the Partnership
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates Orlando International Airport, also recognizes the significance of this 25-year partnership.
“We congratulate Copa Airlines on 25 years of exceptional service at Orlando International Airport,” says Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of GOAA.
“This milestone reflects Copa’s vital role in connecting Orlando to Latin America and the Caribbean. We look forward to continuing to support their success and expansion in the years ahead.”
Award-Winning Service and Punctuality
Orlando travelers can continue to enjoy Copa’s award-winning service. Copa Airlines’ commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades.
Recently, Cirium, a leading aviation analytics firm, named Copa the “Most Punctual Airline in Latin America in 2024” for the tenth time. This impressive achievement reflects Copa’s dedication to on-time performance, with an outstanding arrival rate of 88.22%, ranking them third globally.
Looking to the Future
As Copa Airlines celebrates this significant milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to connecting Orlando with Latin America and beyond.
The airline looks forward to continuing to serve the Central Florida community, fostering stronger relationships, and providing exceptional travel experiences for many years to come.
With its extensive network, world-class service, and unwavering commitment to punctuality, Copa Airlines remains a leading choice for travelers seeking memorable journeys throughout the Americas.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!