Panama's Copa Airlines announced the promotion of 43 first officers to the rank of captain, as part of its strategy to develop technical talent and strengthen its flight operations, the company said in a statement.
This professional advancement represents a milestone in the pilots' careers , as they assume greater responsibilities in command of commercial aircraft in the airline's Boeing 737 fleet.
Of the announced promotion, 5% of the pilots promoted are women, a fact that, according to the airline, reflects the sustained progress of female participation in technical and leadership positions within its air operation.
Currently, women represent 12% of Copa Airlines' total pilot staff, one of the highest percentages recorded in the aviation industry internationally, the company highlighted.
Captain Yeymy Marín fell in love with aviation during her senior year of high school, attending a summer flight program at Scarlett Martínez Airport.
“That was my first encounter with aviation; I hadn't had the opportunity to travel before. Then I told my dad, ‘I need to experience it again!’ and he took me to Panama Pacific Airport. It was the first time I saw pilots in uniform, and that sealed the deal for me, because that was the profession I wanted to pursue.”
Copa Airlines' Vice President of Flight Operations, Bolívar Domínguez , noted that the promotion to captain is part of an operational model that prioritizes safety, consistency, and well-founded decision-making .
“At Copa Airlines, promotion to captain is part of an operational model that prioritizes safety, consistency, and well-informed decision-making. This training process is developed under the highest industry standards and ensures that every pilot who reaches this rank is prepared to lead the cockpit in complex operational environments. It is a fundamental pillar for maintaining a reliable and efficient operation aligned with the growth of our network and fleet,” said Bolívar Domínguez.
Dominguez emphasized that this model is a fundamental pillar for sustaining a reliable and efficient operation , aligned with the growth of the airline's route network and fleet.
Copa Airlines explained that the promotion to the rank of captain is the result of a demanding and progressive training process , designed to prepare pilots in leadership, decision-making and operational management in the cockpit.
Achieving the rank of captain requires completing a comprehensive training program that lasts approximately four months . The process is rigorous and is evaluated by the Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ).
The training includes:
• Intensive theoretical training.
• Simulator training.
• Supervised flights.
In addition to passing various technical assessments and interviews with operations leaders, candidates must demonstrate a solid operational track record and meet a minimum number of flight hours.
These career paths, the company indicated, reflect its focus on developing internal talent and creating opportunities for professional growth within the organization.
Currently, Copa Airlines has a staff of over 1,445 pilots and projects the addition of more than 350 new pilots in the next three years , in line with the expansion of its fleet, the growth of its route network and the strengthening of the Hub of the Americas , its main connection center on the continent.
The airline also plans to increase its fleet with 35 new aircraft over the next three years (between 12 and 15 planes per year).
