Denver International Airport on Wednesday announced it has landed Copa Airlines, a Star Alliance partner that will increase options for travelers flying to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Service begins Dec. 11, with the carrier flying four direct flights each week to Copa’s hub at Tocumen International Airport.in Panama City, Panama. The new service will get passengers to Panama two to three hours sooner than other airlines, which typically require travelers to layover in Houston, Newark or Dallas.
Currently more than 30 passengers a day fly between Denver and Panama, DIA said.
It's official! DEN & @MayorHancock are excited to announce @CopaAirlines will begin nonstop service from Denver to Panama City on Dec. 11! pic.twitter.com/ZdgCoomAvH
— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) April 19, 2017
Mayor Michael Hancock said during a press event Tuesday that the new flights to Panama will create 244 new jobs and a $26 million annual economic impact for Colorado. He said the new flights created both tourism and business opportunities.
Copa is the second international carrier announced at DIA this month. Norwegian Air International on April 5 announced it would take gates at DIA, taking the low-cost carrier fight for customers international.
United Airlines provided direct daily flights from Denver to Panama City, starting in December 2014, service that was touted as a huge boon for Colorado tourism and jobs. But the giant carrier dropped the service about 10 months later, saying the flights didn’t meet expectations.
DIA chief commercial officer Patrick Heck said there are a couple differences this time around. United’s flight was mainly targeting Americans. Because Copa Airlines is based in Panama, the main point of sale will be Panamanians and Latin Americans, he said.
Additionally, the airline can schedule flights to run more in line with the rest of its operations throughout Latin America, making it easier for people to get to other destinations, he said. The new flight is only four times a week compared to the previous daily flights, giving the airline an easier place to start, he said.
