Copa Airlines To Start Panamá – Armenia, Quindío Route In December

Panamá City based Copa Airlines has announced the addition of a new route between the Colombian city of Armenia, Quindío and its Panama hub beginning December 2, 2021. With the addition, Copa will connect eight Colombian cities to its international hub at Tocumen International Airport.

The Copa Airlines flight will initially operate with 3 weekly frequencies on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing at 11:36 a.m. from Panama (local time) and arriving at El Edén International Airport at 12:58 p.m. (local time). The return flight will depart the same days from Armenia at 3:58 p.m., arriving in Panama at 5:18 p.m. (local time). The route will be operated by a Boeing 737-700 with capacity for 12 passengers in business class and 112 passengers in the main cabin.

Along with Pereira and Manizales, Armenia is part of the Colombian “Eje Cafetero” coffee producing region.

“We are pleased to announce our first new route since the pandemic began in March 2020. It is part of our vision as a leading airline to increase the connectivity of cities on the continent, thus contributing to the economic and cultural development of the region. We are sure that Armenia will be part of it,” said Pedro Heilbron, executive president of Copa Airlines.

In the heart of Colombia’s coffee growing region, Armenia was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011. It is located roughly equidistant between Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, with a population of approximately 300,000 inhabitants. Along with Pereira and Manizales, Armenia is part of the Colombian “Eje Cafetero” (coffee axis), and its many coffee farms have become international tourist attractions. There are even coffee-themed and agriculture themed amusement parks nearby.

“International air connectivity in our country continues to show important signs of recovery in the midst of this situation, opening new routes to different cities in the country such as Armenia, a city that will soon increase its air capacity abroad with a new connection to Panama City. Very soon more travelers will be able to learn about the unique experiences that our country offers, a sustainable, reliable and high-quality destination,” said Flavia Santoro, president of ProColombia, Colombia’s investment promotion agency.

Roberto Jairo Jaramillo Cárdenas, Governor of Quindío added: “We are very happy in the heart of Colombia to be able to have Copa Airlines, a new airline linked to the region that will fly from the El Edén International Airport. with 3 weekly frequencies. This allows us to increase the competitiveness index that we have in Quindío and thus we will be able to bring and take tourists in two ways. We invite visitors to come to know our coffee culture landscape through this airline that is about to fly from Quindío with the attractions and benefits that we have to offer from this chosen destination. To Copa Airlines, thank you for connecting with the Heart of Colombia.”

Above photo: Parque Del Café is an amusement park minutes outside of Armenia that entertains visitors while educating them on coffee culture. Photo © Loren Moss