Chicago Department of Aviation
Copa Airlines Launches Service to Panama from O'Hare

Copa Airlines on Friday, December 16, 2011 began daily non-stop service between Chicago O'Hare and Copa's Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport in Panama, Republic of Panama.

           

"Copa's new five-hour flight is the only non-stop Chicago-to-Panama service and reduces travel time compared to other connecting flights," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO, Copa Airlines. "Our service not only connects two major business and tourist destinations, Chicago and Panama, but also is a gateway to more than 50 destinations in Latin America including destinations in countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela."

 

The flight departs Chicago's O'Hare International Airport at 8:09 a.m., arriving at Copa's Hub of the Americas in Tocumen International Airport in Panama City at 2:28 p.m.  The return flight departs Panama at 6:34 p.m., arriving in Chicago at 11:06 p.m. From the Hub of the Americas, passengers can make convenient connections to destinations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, without customs/immigration waits for in-transit passengers. 

 

"On behalf of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), we are pleased to welcome Copa Airlines to O'Hare International Airport," said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. "This new service by Copa will provide many benefits to the Chicago business community. With Chicago being home to 28 Fortune 500 companies and several others with business connections to Latin America, Copa's operations will support increased tourism, business and economic opportunities between Chicago and Panama City, as well as increased connectivity to destinations throughout Latin America."

 

Copa's on-board service includes complimentary meals and beverages, including wines and spirits; a 12-channel audio-visual entertainment system in English, Spanish and Portuguese, with new movies monthly and complimentary headsets.  Flight attendants are bilingual. 

 

Copa officials joined the Chicago Department of Aviation for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in O'Hare International Terminal 5. Below, some photos from the festivities:

 

 

 

Copa and Chicago Department of Aviation officials celebrate Copa's inaugural service between Panama City and Chicago O'Hare.
 

 

Copa dancers
Dancers entertained passengers awaiting to board Copa's first flight from O'Hare with traditional Panamanian-style dance.
 

 

The celebratory ribbon is cut by Michael Boland, First Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, (holding scissors, left) and Fernando Fondevila, Copa's Regional Manager for North America (holding scissors, right).
 

 

Copa aircraft
The Copa aircraft is readied for departure.