The Austin Chamber of Commerce announced on July 6 that Copa Airlines started a new service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Panama City in Panama. According to a release, there was a ribbon cutting celebration held at AUS in honor of the first flight, which included speakers, Panamanian dancers and refreshments.
“Today marks an important milestone, a new partnership with Copa Airlines. As of today, this partnership is connecting our city and community to the beautiful country of Panama," said Doug Driskill, who is the chair of the Austin Chamber Air Service Task Force A partnership that was years in the making and that we know our community will appreciate and take advantage of,” said Doug Driskill, chair of the Austin Chamber Air Service Task Force, who was one of the speakers on hand on July 6 to celebrate the new service.
According to the Austin Chamber of Commerce blog post, the new travel route creates connections to more than 55 destinations throughout Latin America through Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Copa Airlines is a carrier headquartered in Panama, and is the sixth international airline ton operate at AUS, and the fourth new carrier to launch services since 2020.
Austin residents and Central Texans can take nonstop flights to the capital city of Panama, according to the blog post. The route provides a gateway for travelers who wish to travel further across Latin America.
Securing this coveted route with Cope Airlines was the result of a multiyear effort. In 2021 and 2022, executives from Copa Airlines visited Austin where they were hosted by the Austin Chamber and Opportunity Austin. They received data compiled by local staff that showed the region's economic potential and air service demand. In late 2022 a delegation made up of representatives of Opportunity Austin, Austin Chamber, Visit Austin, airport executives and members of the Air Service Task Force traveled to Panama for a formal pitch to executives at Copa. Their focus was showing the value that Austin holds as a market for air travel.
The launch of the Austin-Panama City route marks a milestone in enhancing the connectivity between these two regions. It helps with aspects of business, tourism and personal travel. For additional information about Copa Airlines and flight schedules, log onto copaair.com.