Sawt Falasteen - Panama's Copa Airlines orders 60 more Boeing 737 MAX for $13.5 bn

Chief executive Pedro Heilbron said during a signing ceremony in Panama City that the acquisitions will allow the airline to grow its fleet to 200 planes by 2034.

"This represents an important step to keep strengthening the operation and connectivity we provide" from Panama to the rest of the Americas, Heilbron said as he finalized the agreement with Boeing and GE Aerospace representatives.

The airline currently operates more than 80 routes in over 30 countries.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said during the event that the "historic purchase" reflects Copa's "solidity, vision of growth, and leadership."

Mulino noted that Panama was working to expand Tocumen International Airport in the capital to accommodate the arrival of new planes.

The first stage of the expansion aimed to build space for the 40 Boeing 737s Copa already bought that "are being delivered."

"Now these 60 new planes mean we'll plan for a new era of adaptation so that our airport can accompany" Copa's growth, the Central American nation's president said, adding they will renovate both airstrips for greater efficiency and security.

Q.Najjar--SF-PST