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Copa Airlines’ ATA Academy Graduates 47 Aircraft Technicians

Dergam Mousa

The Aviation Technical Academy (ATA) of Copa Airlines celebrated the graduation of 47 aircraft maintenance technicians who are now part of the company’s workforce. Since its creation, this institution has trained, at no cost to the students, over 220 young people specialized in the maintenance and inspection of aircraft systems to the highest national and international standards.

Future-Oriented Training

With programs lasting between two and four years, this career represents a real opportunity for access to quality employment for young Panamanians.

Rafael Samudio, Vice President of Technical Operations at Copa Airlines, emphasized: “The graduation of a new class reaffirms Copa Airlines’ vision of developing national talent as a pillar for strengthening the aviation industry in Panama. Through our academies, especially ATA, we generate free training opportunities that not only boost the professional growth of young people but also enhance the operational capability of our airline and contribute to the social and economic development of the country.”

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More Students and More Opportunities

Currently, ATA has 138 active students, 18% of whom are women. Two new groups will open in February 2026, adding 48 new candidates.

The enrollment period is now available at www.copa.com, in the “Work With Us” section. Requirements include a high school diploma recognized by the Ministry of Education and, preferably, technical training in areas such as electromechanics, electricity, electronics, general mechanics, or automotive mechanics.

Financial and Logistical Support

The training is funded by Copa Airlines through the Despega Foundation. Each student receives a monthly stipend of 350 US dollars, in addition to transportation, insurance, uniforms, and study materials. This comprehensive scheme allows students to focus on their preparation without financial worries.

Impact on Copa Airlines’ Operations

Thanks to the level of training achieved at ATA, 90% of the fleet’s maintenance work is carried out at the Copa Airlines Maintenance Center, located at Tocumen International Airport. The airline plans to hire over 325 new technicians in the next five years, mostly graduates of the Academy, with the goal of performing 100% of maintenance tasks in Panama.

Strategic Educational Alliances

Furthermore, Copa Airlines strengthens aeronautical technical training in the country through agreements with the Don Bosco Technical Institute and, more recently, with the Specialized Superior Technical Institute (ITSE). Together, they launched the Aircraft Maintenance degree program, aligning the academic offering with the industry’s demands and responding to the growing need for specialized technicians.

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