COMPAÑÍA PANAMEÑA DE AVIACIÓN (comercially known as Copa Airlines)is the flagship carrier of Panama, it's based in Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. It's currently a Star Alliance airline partner.
Founded on 21 June 1944 with the assistance of Pan American Airways, who provided 40% of the capital, COPA began operations with a trio on Douglas DC-3s in August 1947, flying between Panama City, Changinola, Davin and Bocas del Toro. Services to San Jose, Bogota and Cartagena were added in 1956.[1]
During the 1950s and 1960s, Copa acquired Curtiss C46s, Lockheed Electras, Hawker Siddeley 748s and a single Martin 4-0-4. In 1972, the airline became wholly Panamian owned. During the 1980s, the first of the airline's 737-100s inaugurated services to Miami. Continental Airlines gained a 49% stake in Copa on 19 May 1999, following the latter's order for eight 737-700 aircraft, placed on 19 January 1999.[1]
