Copa Airlines inaugurates direct flights between Panama City and Fortaleza

Copa Airlines {NYSE: CPA}, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, SA, and a member of the global airline network Star Alliance, today opens the operations of its new route between Panama City and Fortaleza in Brazil, connecting this city with 79 destinations in 32 countries of the American continent through the Hub of the Americas, located at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. With this new route, travelers can enjoy the renowned World Class service and the best punctuality in Latin America that offers and differentiates Copa Airlines.

"We are optimistic to be able to start this route to Fortaleza in Brazil, becoming our number eight destination in this South American country. This new flight opens even more opportunities for everyone to know the tourist attractions offered by this destination and the joy of its culture; this undoubtedly translates into greater opportunity for cultural exchange and for its economic position for this Brazilian region, further strengthening our commercial ties and strengthening us in this important market that is so important for the airline, "said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.

"With Copa Airlines direct flights, we have immediate access to more than 79 destinations in 32 countries in North, South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean, which opens up the possibility of more business for our State, besides being fundamental for expand the number of foreign tourists to Ceará and to facilitate the departure of Ceará to countries such as the United States, Mexico and Canada, for example, "says Arialdo Pinho, Secretary of Tourism of Ceará.

Fortaleza is the capital of the state of Ceará, Brazil, a key destination for those who want to know one of the most important cities in the northeast of the South American country. This city is known for being an important tourist, commercial and financial center, but above all for its 34 km of beaches of clear sands and crystal clear waters.

Among the main tourist attractions of Fortaleza are the famous Dragão do Mar Center for Art and Culture, with multiple galleries, museums, cinemas and theaters, or the spectacular Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza. It stands out for its cultural richness mainly with folklore, which has its roots in the miscegenation of European, African and indigenous beliefs and traditions.

This destination is the fifth most important city in Brazil with approximately 8.7 million inhabitants. Its strategic position makes it an important point for the flow of export merchandise to the European continent.

Flight CM 342 to Fortaleza will initially operate with two weekly frequencies on Wednesdays and Sundays, departing at 3:30 p.m. (local time) of Panama and arriving at 12:20 a.m. (local time) to Fortaleza, Brazil. The return flight, CM 343, will depart from Fortaleza on Mondays and Thursdays at 1:25 a.m., arriving in Panama at 6:14 a.m (local time). For this direct flight Copa Airlines will operate a modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft with capacity to transport 160 passengers, 16 in the executive class and 144 in the main cabin.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, was headed by executives and personnel of the Airline and was attended by Captain Robert Katz, Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority; Flavio Macieira, Ambassador of Brazil in Panama; and representatives of the airline.

Copa Airlines currently operates an average of 350 daily flights through the Hub of the Americas, founded in 1992 and located at the Tocumen International Airport. Thanks to Copa's extensive network of routes, Tocumen is considered the airport with the most international destinations in Latin America. In addition, the Airline was recognized in the last five years by FlightStats as "The most punctual airline in Latin America", and by the Official Airline Guide of London as "The fourth most punctual airline in the world" and the "most punctual airline in Latin America".