Copa Airlines Boosts Internal Talent with Promotion of 40 First Officers to Captains
Panama’s Copa Airlines continues to strengthen its flight team by celebrating the promotion of 40 first officers to the rank of captain, underscoring the airline’s commitment to the professional development of its personnel.
A Demanding and Rigorous Promotion Process
To achieve the rank of captain, Copa Airlines pilots must complete an intensive four-month program. This process includes:
- Ground training.
- Simulator training.
- Supervised flights evaluated by the Civil Aeronautical Authority (AAC).
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Candidates must meet strict requirements, such as a minimum number of flight hours, experience in complex operations, and technical evaluations, as well as interviews with operational and human resources leaders.
A Commitment to Diversity in Aviation
Seven percent of the pilots promoted to captain are women, marking progress in the airline’s inclusivity efforts. Currently, women make up 12% of Copa Airlines’ total pilot workforce, positioning the company as one with one of the highest rates of female participation in the cockpit globally.
Sustained Growth and Future Projections
Copa Airlines projects ending the year with over 1,400 pilots, including captains and first officers. Additionally, over the next five years, the airline plans to incorporate more than 670 pilots to support the expansion of its fleet.
Bolívar Domínguez, Vice President of Flight Operations at Copa Airlines, emphasized the significance of this growth: “Celebrating the promotion of this new group of captains reflects our commitment to our team’s development. Some of these pilots began their careers in areas such as maintenance, passenger service, or cabin crew, and today they achieve this milestone with pride and merit. Each promotion represents the excellence and responsibility that define us and demonstrates the real impact of investing in professional growth in Panama and the region.”
These promotions reinforce Copa Airlines’ operational capacity and reaffirm its commitment to excellence and safety in commercial aviation.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.