By San José, Costa Rica — Panama City, Panama – Copa Airlines Cargo has significantly bolstered its air freight capabilities with the addition of a second Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to its fleet. This strategic move is projected to increase the airline’s annual cargo capacity to 50,000 tons, strengthening its operational reach across various destinations in the Americas.
The newly acquired aircraft, registered as HP 1990W, boasts a 22-ton capacity, marking a 15% increase compared to the airline’s previous cargo capabilities. This expansion will allow Copa Cargo to efficiently transport a diverse range of goods, from pharmaceuticals and perishables like flowers and seafood to electronics and even racehorses for equestrian events.
For expert legal insight into the air cargo industry and its implications for businesses in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The growth of Copa Airlines Cargo presents significant opportunities and challenges for Costa Rican businesses. Streamlined logistics, improved access to international markets, and faster delivery times are potential advantages. However, companies must also be aware of evolving international trade regulations, customs procedures, and liability issues related to air freight. Understanding these legal and logistical complexities is crucial for leveraging the full potential of air cargo services and mitigating potential risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the dual nature of this expansion—presenting both exciting prospects and crucial considerations for Costa Rican businesses navigating the increasingly complex world of international trade. His insights on the importance of understanding both the logistical and legal landscape are particularly valuable for businesses seeking to capitalize on the opportunities offered by Copa Airlines Cargo. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective.
The cargo we can carry here ranges from racehorses for equestrian events, for example, to pharmaceuticals, perishables like flowers and fish, in addition to fashion and electronics.
Jaime Álvarez, Senior Director of Cargo and Courier, Copa Airlines
The state-of-the-art 737-800BCF offers enhanced operational flexibility, with a flight range of up to five to six hours, enabling Copa Cargo to serve smaller markets with more consistent and direct deliveries.
This 737-800 BCF is the latest generation for cargo. It can handle 22 tons and fly up to 5-6 hours. It’s a plane that allows us to reach smaller markets, which don’t need to have as much volume, in order to serve them recurrently.
Jaime Álvarez, Senior Director of Cargo and Courier, Copa Airlines
The new aircraft will operate at least twice a week, complementing the existing cargo capacity available on Copa Airlines’ passenger flights. This strategic expansion will enable the airline to add new destinations to its network, including Miami, Port of Spain, Barbados, Guayaquil, and San Pedro Sula. Additionally, it will increase frequencies on key routes such as Bogotá, Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport, Cuba, and Costa Rica, offering a more robust service to sectors like pharmaceuticals, perishables, agribusiness, and general air cargo.
With this reinforced network and two dedicated cargo aircraft, Copa Airlines optimizes its logistical operations from its Hub of the Americas in Panama, leveraging its strategic location to efficiently connect markets across the continent. This expansion demonstrates Copa Airlines Cargo’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the air cargo industry in the Americas.
The airline’s investment underscores the growing importance of air freight in the region and Copa Airlines’ commitment to providing efficient and reliable cargo services across its expanding network. This enhanced capacity will not only benefit businesses involved in international trade but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.
With its strategic location and improved infrastructure, Copa Airlines Cargo is well-positioned to play a leading role in facilitating trade and commerce throughout the Americas.
For further information, visit copaair.com
About Copa Airlines:
Copa Airlines, based in Panama City, Panama, is a leading Latin American airline that operates a hub-and-spoke system, connecting passengers and cargo to destinations across North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean. Known for its on-time performance and excellent customer service, Copa Airlines plays a vital role in connecting the Americas and facilitating trade and tourism. With a modern fleet and a focus on operational efficiency, Copa Airlines continues to expand its network and enhance its services to meet the growing demands of the aviation market.
For further information, visit boeing.com
About Boeing:
The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide. A major aerospace and defense contractor, Boeing is among the largest global aircraft manufacturers by revenue, orders, and deliveries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with its dedication to sharing legal knowledge through public initiatives, distinguishes it as a leader in the field. By providing accessible legal resources and championing informed decision-making, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to create a more just and equitable future for all.
