Copa Airlines Soars to New Heights: 35 Years of Connecting Miami to Panama and Beyond

For 35 years, Copa Airlines has served as a bridge between Miami and Latin America, offering seamless connectivity, cultural exchange, and world-class travel experiences. On December 12, 2024, Copa Airlines celebrated this momentous occasion with a grand event at Miami International Airport (MIA), spotlighting its remarkable evolution from a modest Panamanian airline to a leading force in global aviation.

On December 1, 1989, Copa Airlines made history by launching its first U.S. destination with nonstop service to Miami. What began as a single route has since blossomed into a major gateway connecting travelers to more than 85 destinations across 32 countries in North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. Today, Copa Airlines operates over 50 weekly flights between Miami International Airport and its renowned Hub of the Americas® in Panama City, Panama.

The Hub of the Americas® serves as the heart of Copa’s operations, offering Miami travelers unparalleled access to Latin American destinations. It’s a connectivity powerhouse that has made Copa Airlines the airline with the most flights to Latin America from Miami, further cementing its status as MIA’s ninth busiest airline.

The anniversary celebration on December 12th was a spectacular affair at Miami International Airport. The event featured traditional Panamanian dancers, speeches from Miami-Dade Aviation Department officials, the Consul General of Panama, and key local government figures. Copa Airlines’ Chief Marketing Officer, Marco Ocando, led the celebration alongside senior airline executives, airport representatives, and esteemed dignitaries from the Miami community.

The festivities culminated in a grand send-off of a Copa Airlines MAX9 aircraft adorned in a commemorative livery inspired by Panama’s natural beauty. As the aircraft taxied down the runway, it was met with a ceremonial water cannon salute—a fitting tribute to 35 years of service and success.

Copa Airlines’ presence at Miami International Airport has been a boon for Miami-Dade County’s economy and its cultural landscape. “For nearly four decades, Copa Airlines has proudly served as a vital connection between the United States and Latin America, with Miami playing a pivotal role as our first U.S. gateway,” said Marco Ocando, Chief Marketing Officer of Copa Airlines. “This connection has fostered cultural exchange, economic growth, and world-class travel experiences.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava echoed these sentiments, stating, “In those 35 years, Copa’s unwavering commitment to serving our community has led it to become Miami International Airport’s ninth busiest airline, serving more than 800,000 passengers annually. I look forward to seeing Copa celebrating many more anniversaries in Miami-Dade County.”

Beyond its connections, Copa Airlines has earned a reputation for operational excellence. Recognized as the “Most Punctual Airline in Latin America” by Cirium in 2023—a distinction it’s claimed nine times in the past decade—Copa Airlines ranks among the world’s top three most punctual airlines. In 2023, the airline achieved an on-time arrival rate of 89.46%, a testament to its meticulous attention to operational precision.

This commitment to punctuality, coupled with a modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, ensures passengers experience a level of reliability that’s become synonymous with the Copa Airlines brand.

With 35 years of triumphs to celebrate, Copa Airlines remains committed to enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism, and supporting Miami’s multicultural community. As one of the Star Alliance network’s key members, Copa Airlines continues to push boundaries, offering travelers unparalleled access to Latin America’s hidden gems.

The airline’s evolution from a fledgling carrier to a regional leader is a story of ambition, innovation, and resilience. It’s a testament to the power of partnership—between Copa Airlines, Miami International Airport, and the local community—that has stood strong for over three decades.