Copa Airlines to grow through network expansion and increased capacity, not merger: CEO

Copa Airlines CEO, Pedro Heilbron, stated the carrier will grow through expanding its route network and increased frequencies on existing routes rather than through a cross-border merger (Reuters, 07-May-2010). The carrier, which has quadrupled its fleet to 56 aircraft since 1998 and operates to 45 destinations in 24 countries, has identified 30 further destinations for possible expansion, including up to four new destinations through 2010 and into late 2011. Copa Airlines placed orders for 15 B737-800 aircraft last year and is targeting a fleet of 72 aircraft by 2012.

Copa Airlines: "We have the advantage of being right in the middle of the Americas, so we can serve most of the markets out of Panama without needing to buy into another carrier in another country. It's not something that we are going to ignore if there's a good possibility in the future but it's not something that we are actively looking for," Pedro Heilbron, CEO. Source: Reuters, 07-May-2010.