Aviation History
Panama's civil aviation is dominated by Copa Airlines, founded in 1947, which grew from a small domestic carrier into one of Latin America's leading airlines after a 1998 strategic partnership with Continental Airlines and induction into Star Alliance in 2012. Tocumen International Airport, branded the 'Hub of the Americas,' has been continuously expanded to leverage Panama's central geographic position connecting North and South America, reinforced by the country's role as home to the Panama Canal. Copa Holdings' 2005 New York Stock Exchange listing cemented Panama's aviation sector as a major regional business success story.
Panama's Canal Zone, with bases such as France Field near Colón, becomes a key early stop in Pan American Airways' expanding Latin American mail and passenger network.
Compañía Panameña de Aviación (Copa Airlines) is founded on June 21 as Panama's flag carrier, beginning domestic operations.
Continental Airlines acquires a 49% stake in Copa, bringing modernized systems and hub-and-spoke expertise that help transform Tocumen into the 'Hub of the Americas.'
Copa Holdings lists on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CPA) and completes the integration of AeroRepública as Copa Airlines Colombia.
Copa Airlines joins Star Alliance in June, integrating Panama's Tocumen hub into a global airline network.
A major new terminal opens at Tocumen International Airport to support continued growth in transit passenger traffic between the Americas.
Copa Airlines · Air Panama · Copa Airlines Colombia (rebrand of AeroRepública)
Wikipedia, Copa Holdings investor materials, airline industry press