The development of highly qualified technical personnel allows Copa Airlines to maintain a safe and efficient operation from the Hub of the Americas®. Copa Airlines announced the promotion of 43 first officers to captain rank, consolidating its technical talent development model and strengthening its operational capacity. These new captains assume greater responsibilities today, commanding the Boeing 737 fleet, representing a professional milestone after completing a demanding certification process. Bolívar Domínguez, Copa Airlines' Vice President of Flight Operations, highlighted that this promotion is part of a model that prioritizes safety and decision-making based on solid foundations. The promotion of new captains at Copa Airlines strengthens air operations in Panama. The Panamanian airline has strengthened its technical team by promoting 43 new captains, who will lead the Boeing 737 fleet after completing a rigorous training and certification process. Currently, women represent 12% of Copa Airlines' total pilot roster, one of the highest figures in the global aviation industry. With a current pilot workforce exceeding 1,445, the airline maintains an ambitious growth vision. Three of the promoted pilots began their careers at the airline in Passenger Service roles and as Flight Attendants. Also included is a graduate of ALAS (Copa Airlines Pilot Academy), reflecting the effectiveness of the company's internal professional growth programs. In terms of equity, 5% of the promoted pilots in this group are women. According to the executive, the process ensures that each pilot meets the highest industry standards to lead the cockpit in complex operational environments, being a fundamental pillar to sustain a reliable operation aligned with the network's growth. A training process under international standards. The path to captain rank is the result of progressive training designed for leadership. All these stages had the validation of the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC). To qualify for the program, officers had to meet strict requirements, including a minimum number of accumulated flight hours and previous experience in airports with special conditions. The incorporation of more than 350 additional pilots is projected over the next three years to accompany the fleet expansion and route network strengthening. This strengthening of the operational structure is key to guaranteeing Panama's connectivity with more than 85 destinations on the continent. Furthermore, the process included interviews with operational leaders and human management teams to certify not only their technical preparation but also their operational judgment and command capacity. Diversity and internal career development. The promotion stands out for the diversity of its members' career paths. For several months, the candidates completed a program that integrated academic training, intensive simulator practice, and supervised operations.
