By the Caribbean Journal staff

Panama-based Copa Airlines has announced plans to launch new nonstop service to the island of Barbados.

The company said the new service would begin operating in July.

“Our network of routes, which now, through our Hub of the Americas at the Tocumen International Airport, will connect 78 destinations in 32 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean,” said Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron. “These advances confirm our commitment and vocation to offer world class service to our customers and contribute to the commercial and tourist development of both Panama and all countries that we connect by air.”

The flights will mean a new gateway for many South American travelers to Barbados through Panama.