Copa Airlines Unveils “El Avión de la Sele”: A Boeing 737 MAX 8 Inspired by Panama’s National Football Team
Copa Airlines, the official carrier and sponsor of the Panama National Football Team, has revealed the design for “El Avión de la Sele” (The National Team’s Plane). This special aircraft commemorates the country’s second qualification for a FIFA World Cup and symbolizes national unity under the spirit of the Marea Roja.
A Platform of Pride: The Boeing 737 MAX 8
The aircraft selected to carry this unique livery is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as HP-9819CMP. The narrowbody is scheduled to depart Boeing’s Everett delivery center this Wednesday, bound for Panama City.
According to Marco Ocando, Senior Marketing Director at Copa Airlines, the project aims to capture the emotion of a nation once again celebrating the world’s greatest football tournament. Meanwhile, Fernando Arce, Acting President of the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT), emphasized that the aircraft represents the pride of an entire country flying alongside its team toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
→ Copa Airlines Orders 60 Additional Boeing 737 MAX Jets: Projects a Fleet of 200 by 2034
Identity and Design: Panamanian Creativity in the Skies
The livery design is the result of the “El Avión de la Sele” contest launched in November 2025. Out of nearly 700 submissions, the winning entry was created by Panamanians Ernesto de León and Henry Katz.
Key visual elements on the fuselage include:
- The Color Red: Representing the energy and passion of the Panamanian fanbase.
- The Marea Roja (Red Tide): A moving wave that provides visual structure and symbolizes the unconditional support of the fans.
- Historical Icons: References to Román Torres’ historic goal that secured the country’s first World Cup qualification and the legendary figure of Luis “El Matador” Tejada.
- Distinctive Messaging: The phrase “¡Vamos Panamá!” (Let’s go Panama!) adorns the fuselage, while the word “Panama” is featured on the aircraft’s belly, making it visible from the ground during flight.
The judging panel included prominent figures such as artist Olga Sinclair, Jorge Heilbron (Creative Director at Star5), and Ricaurte Martínez (Rector of Ganexa), who evaluated entries based on identity, visual harmony, and creativity.
International Outreach and the Road to the 2026 World Cup
This initiative is part of the airline’s broader strategy leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Other actions include the release of the official “Sube la Marea Remix” music video, a project bringing together Panamanian musical talent and culture to project the nation’s identity across the continent.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.