Boeing announced on April 28, 2026, that it has received an order for up to 60 B737 MAX aircraft (40 firm orders plus 20 options) from Panamanian carrier Copa Airlines. The exact version breakdown of this order is not known yet, as the airline may have chosen to keep some flexibility as to its exact make up.
The order reaffirms the Copa Airlines’ commitment to Boeing and the B737 family of aircraft, which has historically been the mainstay of its fleet.
With this new order, Copa Airlines expects to replace an unspecified number of older B737 NG aircraft as well as expand its fleet. The Panamanian carrier aims to have a fleet of more than 100 B737 MAX aircraft in the coming years.
Copa Airlines first ordered B737 MAX aircraft in 2015, when it purchased 61 aircraft plus 10 options, which were later exercised. The airline’s annual report also discloses that, as of December 31, 2025, it had 85 outstanding firm orders and 20 options for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with delivery dates between 2026 and 2034.
According to ch-aviation data, as of April 29, 2026, Panama’s flag carrier has an all-B737 fleet of 118 aircraft, including 18 of the MAX 8 and 32 of the MAX 9 versions. Copa Airlines also operates nine B737-700s and 57 B737-800s, as well as two converted B737 freighters.
The Panamanian carrier deploys these aircraft on services to 88 destinations across the Americas from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. Copa Airlines refers to its base there as the “Hub of the Americas” due to its role connecting North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
