Copa Claims One Of The Youngest Fleets In The Americas

Copa Airlines, has taken delivery of two new Boeing 737-800 aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet expansion. With the addition of these aircraft the airline says it is continuing to expand its "Hub of the Americas", increasing both the number of flights and destinations.

Currently Copa Holdings operates one of the youngest fleets in the Americas, composed of 58 aircraft: 20 Boeing 737-700s, 11 Boeing 737-800s, 26 Embraer-190s and one MD-80 aircraft. Copa Holdings expects to end 2010 with a consolidated fleet of 63 aircraft. "Our fleet is a point of pride for our airline," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. "These new Boeing aircraft make it possible for us to continue growing our route network and increasing frequencies this year with a product that is attractive to our passengers."

A leader in Latin American aviation, Copa Airlines announced in 2009 firm orders for 15 Boeing 737-800s, as well as options to purchase eight additional aircraft. Copa currently has firm orders for 26 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which will be delivered between 2010 and 2015. At Boeing list prices, these orders represent an investment of approximately $2 billion.

The Boeing 737-800, the largest aircraft in Copa's fleet, seats 160 passengers, 16 in Clase Ejecutiva (Business Class) and 144 in the main cabin.

The new aircraft are equipped with winglets, which help reduce airport noise, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

FMI: www.boeing.com