Copa Airlines announced on Monday that it will begin new flights from Panama City to the capitol of Texas this summer. The new route becomes the 16th US destination for the flag carrier of Panama. The news comes after the carrier announced new service to Baltimore last month.
The new flights also mark the first time Copa has flown to Austin since it started operations more than 70 years ago. The airline said the service would connect Texas with the rest of the continent through the Hub of the Americas in Panama City.
Hello, Austin!
The Star Alliance Airline confirmed that flights to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) from Tocumen International Airport would commence on July 6th, 2023. Flights will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing Panama at 9:18 and arriving at AUS at 14:04. The return flight will operate on the same days, departing AUS at 15:34 and arriving back in Panama at 20:16.
Copa Airlines' Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution Christophe Didier said the carrier is excited to offer more connectivity to its passengers.
“We continue strengthening our network of destinations in the U.S. and incorporating this new route represents a window of opportunities to increase commerce, tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges between the state capital of Texas, Panama and our entire region. We’re pleased to offer greater connectivity to our passengers and contribute to the growth of tourism and commerce in Panama and the countries we serve.”
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The Live Music Capital of the World
WalletHub recognized the city of Austin in 2019 as the second-best destination for summer travel. In the past few decades, the cosmopolitan and sophisticated city has been known as the Live Music Capital of the World for becoming renowned for its live music entertainment as musicians perform around the town in clubs, bars, taco stands, and concert halls.
In addition to live music, the renowned University of Texas is home to Austin, as well as historical places, vineyards, falls, and caves. The city also features a diverse culinary scene with various unique restaurants and exciting attractions such as gardens, historic mansions, and science, technology, engineering, and math museums.
"This exciting announcement has been years in the making," said Jacqueline Yaft, Executive Director and CEO at AUS airport. "We are thrilled to welcome Copa Airlines to Austin, Texas and cannot wait for Austinites and Central Texas to discover the gem of Panama City, Panama, a destination rich in culture, history and community. AUS is proud to bring more convenient options for connecting Central Texas to Central and South America."
Amplifying tourism
Officials also expect the new service will boost Austin's already booming tourism industry.
"Today's announcement of the Copa route launch from Panama City to Austin marks the first nonstop flight from Central America to AUS," said Tom Noonan, President and CEO of Visit Austin, the city's tourism bureau. "This is a testament to how Austin continues to grow as a premier destination, and we are thrilled that Copa has invested into Austin."
The new Austin route adds to the airline's continuous expansion efforts in the US, joining 14 other destinations, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Tampa, San Francisco, and Washington.
Source: WalletHub