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Copa Airlines and its ALAS aviation academy graduate 21 new pilots

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The Latin American Advanced Aviation Academy (ALAS), a non-profit aviation school supported by Copa Airlines, celebrated Tuesday, on National Pilot Day, the graduation of 21 new Panamanian aviators, highlighting that 8 of them, or 38%, are women. This graduation reflects the importance of continuing to provide equal opportunities for all young people with the right qualifications and determination to achieve their career goals. These graduates will join the Copa Airlines workforce, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to continue developing national talent.

“On this National Pilot’s Day, at ALAS we celebrate the achievement of these young people who completed their training as commercial pilots. We are proud to be an Academy of excellence that provides the opportunity for preparation and development to young Panamanians who have the dream of becoming aviators; ALAS offers them training with superior quality standards and the opportunity, once certified, to integrate directly into the team of Copa Airlines pilots,” said Captain Pedro Herrera, director of ALAS.

At ALAS, students study at the highest international standards and at a cost well below the industry average, since its operation is non-profit and subsidized by Copa Airlines.

In this first graduating class of the year, 80% of the graduates completed their studies benefiting from financial support provided through partial scholarships granted by Copa Airlines and the Panamanian Union of Commercial Aviators (UNPAC), as well as loans and full scholarships provided by the Institute for the Training and Development of Human Resources (IFARHU).

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In its 19 promotions, ALAS has graduated more than 220 Panamanian pilots, these professionals are now part of the first officers and captains of the airline, thus contributing to the social and economic development of the country.

“Copa Airlines not only connects destinations, but also builds bridges of opportunity for young people passionate about aviation with the desire to grow and study this wonderful career. More than an airline, we want to be a driver of dreams and educational opportunities that translate into personal, professional and economic development. We congratulate these new pilots and welcome them to an exciting journey full of possibilities,” said Captain Bolivar Dominguez Gonzalez, vice president of flight operations for Copa Airlines.

Through ALAS and for more than a decade, Copa Airlines has led efforts to promote the sustainable development of aviation in Panama. The airline has created an ecosystem with its training academies for pilots, aeronautical technicians and flight crew members that fosters the formation of Panamanian talent, providing unique opportunities to study professions related to the aviation industry. ALAS currently has 84 active students in the different career stages.

ALAS keeps its student selection process open throughout the year, allowing young people interested in becoming commercial pilots to submit their documents at any time. The admission process, which follows international standards, ensures that candidates meet specific requirements, including a minimum age of 19, Panamanian nationality, completed high school, 1st class medical certificate and English language proficiency.

Those young people interested in pursuing a career as professional pilots and training at the ALAS Academy, must meet all the requirements and send their documents to reclutamiento@alaspanama.com. For more information, please visit the website alaspanama.com.

Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.

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