Five Firm Orders, Ten Options
Boeing and Copa Airline executives Monday said the Panamanian
airline placed an order for up to 15 additional new Boeing
Next-Generation 737 airplanes for its all-Boeing fleet.
Five of the airplanes are firm orders. Deliveries begin in 2007
and extend through 2009. Firm orders and purchase rights, if
exercised, would represent an approximate investment of $750
million.
"Copa Airlines continues providing passengers with increased
route options and flight frequencies thanks to one of the most
modern, advanced fleets," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice
President, Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, John Wojick.
"It's demonstrating how the Next-Generation 737 can contribute to
an airline's bottom line."
Copa now operates 21 Next-Generation 737s, with three remaining
to be delivered from prior orders. With today's firm order, Copa's
fleet of 737-700/800s will increase to 29 -- making it one of the
most modern fleets in the Americas.
Copa was the first Americas carrier to incorporate
blended-winglets on the 737-700. All its airplanes now use the
distinctive curved wing ends, which improve fuel efficiency and
lift while reducing engine wear. Copa also was the first in the
region to order Next-Generation 737s with the Vertical Situation
Display (VSD) system, which provides pilots with an easy to
understand flight-path view.
"The new acquisitions, which assure Copa Airlines has the most
modern and reliable aircraft the aviation industry offers, are a
response to the confidence our customers have in our airline. We
demonstrate our appreciation for their business by providing them
with a world-class product," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa
Airlines.
Copa operates from Tocumen International Airport, a time-saving
hub on long routes between the United States, South and Central
America, and the Caribbean. It flies four of the world's longest
737 routes from there -- to Buenos Aires, Santiago, Sao Paulo and
Los Angeles -- thanks to the 737's exceptional range.
The Next-Generation 737 is the newest and most technologically
advanced single-aisle airplane. It flies higher, faster and farther
than previous models and competitors. In addition, its flight deck
features the latest liquid-crystal flat-panel displays and is
designed to accommodate new communications and flight-management
capabilities.