Copa Airlines, already one of Latin America's largest Boeing 737 operators, has formalized a firm order for 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with options for an additional 20, potentially bringing the total to 60 new narrowbodies deliverable by 2034. The deal, valued at approximately $13.5 billion at list prices, is designed to strengthen the carrier's hub model at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport and keep its fleet among the youngest in the region. Boeing and Copa Airlines signed the agreement in Panama City, with the order previously listed as "unidentified" in Boeing's backlog. This order is part of Copa's fleet renewal and expansion strategy, which already includes a significant number of 737 MAX aircraft. According to Boeing, Copa plans to add over 100 737 MAX jets to its fleet through this deal and previous orders, potentially exceeding 200 aircraft by 2034. The airline currently operates more than 110 737s, including Next Generation models, around 30 737 MAX (both -8 and -9 variants), and 737-800 converted freighters, making it one of the most homogeneous fleets in the region. The signing ceremony was attended by Panama's President José Raúl Mulino, U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera, and other government officials, highlighting aviation's strategic importance to Panama's economy. "For Copa Airlines, signing this agreement represents an important step to strengthen the operation and connectivity we provide from Panama," said CEO Pedro Heilbron. From its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen, Copa serves 88 destinations in 32 countries across North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. Heilbron emphasized that the new aircraft will be essential for expanding operations and network, supporting Panama's economic development, job creation, and tourism growth. Boeing highlights the 737 MAX's fuel and emissions savings of about 20% compared to previous generations, thanks to CFM LEAP-1B engines and improved aerodynamics. "This major order builds on over 40 years of partnership with Copa and the successful history of the Boeing 737 family at the airline," said Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. She added that the additional 737 MAX jets will help Copa maintain one of the world's youngest and most efficient fleets while supporting Panama as a key business and tourism destination. For the Panamanian government, this fleet expansion is a major development lever, positioning the country as an air connectivity platform between the Americas, complementing the Panama Canal. Copa estimates that each new 737 MAX generates 60-70 direct jobs, potentially creating over 2,100 additional positions over the next four years if all aircraft are delivered and introduced into the fleet.