Fast-growing Panama-based carrier Copa Holdings has announced an order for 15 new Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft.

The company will be the first airline in Latin America to operate what is the newest addition to Boeing’s MAX portfolio.

“Due to the long-term success we’ve had operating 737 NG we had placed a sizable order of 737 MAX aircraft for our future, and the 737 MAX 10 provides additional flexibility for certain segments of our network,” said Ahmad Zamany, Copa Airlines’ Vice President of Technical Operations.

The MAX 10 will be introduced around 2020, with what Boeing bills as the “highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.”

Copa provides service to 75 destinations in 31 countries through its operating subsidiaries, including much of the Caribbean.

“We are thrilled that Copa Airlines is one of the launch customers for the 737 MAX 10,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president, Latin America, Caribbean and Africa Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 MAX 10 will be the most profitable single-aisle airplane, offering the lowest seat costs ever and will help Copa Airlines grow their business and win market share in the competitive single-aisle market.”

— CJ Staff