Copa Airlines promotes 52 First Officers to rank of Captain
Copa Airlines celebrated the promotion of 52 Panamanian First Officers to the rank of Captain in the Boeing 737 fleet, after meeting the demanding requirements and completing the airline’s extensive training program.
“Seeing this group of first officers reach the rank of captain fills us with pride, as it reflects their dedication, professionalism and constant effort. We are thrilled to know that these new captains will carry the name of Panama to every destination, representing the high standards of excellence and safety that characterize us. In addition, we are proud to contribute to the development of the aviation industry in Panama, training more professionals that drive the growth of the sector and position the country as a reference in the region,” said Bolívar Domínguez, vice president of Flight Operations for Copa Airlines.
The captain promotion program lasts approximately four months and consists of three key stages: theoretical ground training, practical simulator training and supervised flights. The entire process is rigorously evaluated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), guaranteeing the highest standards of safety and competence. First officers can apply for promotion once they have the required flight hours, which is usually achieved after seven years of experience.
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To qualify for the program, first officers must meet strict requirements that include a minimum number of accumulated flight hours, experience in operations at special airports, theoretical and practical evaluations, and interviews with the operational leadership team and human resources.
Among this group of new captains, 9% are women, reflecting Copa Airlines’ commitment to providing equal opportunities and boosting female participation in the aviation industry. This sector, which historically has had limited female participation, is experiencing growth thanks to initiatives that promote gender-neutral talent. Currently, women represent 11% of the airline’s total number of pilots, placing it among the leaders in the sector with one of the highest percentages of female participation globally.
Copa Airlines expects to close the year with a workforce of nearly 1,400 pilots, comprised of 50% captains and 50% first officers. In addition, the airline expects to add more than 320 additional pilots over the next two years, in line with its expansion plans and the projected growth of its operations, subject to the scheduled delivery of new aircraft by the manufacturer.
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