Boeing

Copa Airlines of Panama has become the first carrier in North, Central and South America to operate the Boeing 737-700 with advanced winglet technology. The distinctive winglets reduce drag and provide greater fuel efficiency, increasing range capability by up to 115 nautical miles.

Delivered July 5, the airplane is the ninth Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 to be delivered to Copa. Boeing will deliver three more this year, making Copa's fleet one of the youngest in Latin America. Each 737-700 will feature the distinctive, performance-enhancing winglets.

"Copa Airlines already flies four of the longest Next-Generation 737 routes in the world," said John Wojick, vice president of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It's incredibly rewarding to see a valued customer like Copa reap the benefits of operating these airplanes to their fullest potential."

For instance, Copa achieved 92 percent on-time performance in the first quarter of 2002.

"Our modern fleet has enabled us to lower maintenance costs, increase reliability, operate more nonstop routes from Panama City, and add routes throughout the Americas," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines.

Copa operates out of its "Hub of the Americas in Panama" at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, positioning it as a major time-saving hub on routes between North and South America and the Caribbean. Its newest 737 will be used on routes from Panama City, Panama, to Medellin, Colombia, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.