Copa Airlines has secured its position as Latin America’s most punctual airline for the eleventh consecutive year. The Panama-based carrier received the 2025 award from aviation analytics firm Cirium during a ceremony at its maintenance center in Panama City.
The airline achieved an on-time performance rate of 90.75 percent last year, the highest in the Americas. This global benchmark placed Copa as the world’s second most punctual airline overall. Its schedule completion rate reached 99.80 percent, giving it the lowest cancellation rate in the region.
Sustained Excellence in Operations
Cirium’s annual report analyzes millions of flight data points to rank airline punctuality. Copa’s latest win underscores a long-term commitment to operational reliability that few carriers can match. The airline has now held the regional title for over a decade.
Executive President Pedro Heilbron accepted the award on behalf of the company’s employees. He framed the recognition as both an honor and an ongoing obligation to passengers.
“Punctuality and schedule compliance result from the coordinated work of multiple areas that enable a safe, efficient, and reliable operation,” Heilbron said. [Translated from Spanish]
He directly credited the airline’s workforce for maintaining these high standards. Company leadership used the event to honor 27 employees whose individual performance was deemed critical to achieving the results.
A Global Benchmark for Reliability
Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen praised the airline’s consistent performance. He noted that winning the award eleven times demonstrates more than just good planning. It reveals a deeply embedded corporate culture focused on execution.
“This is an extraordinary achievement that demonstrates leadership, resilience in planning, and strategic investments that position Copa Airlines as a world-class reference,” Bowen commented. [Translated from Spanish]
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a specially liveried Boeing 737. The aircraft features a commemorative logo celebrating the Cirium award and will join the active fleet. This flying tribute symbolizes the operational excellence the airline promotes across its network.
This latest accolade adds to a growing collection of industry awards for Copa Airlines. The carrier also holds Skytrax titles for “Best Airline in Central America and the Caribbean” and “Best Cabin Crew in Central America and the Caribbean.” It maintains a Four-Star Airline certification from APEX.
Operating from its hub at Tocumen International Airport, Copa connects Panama to over 70 destinations. Its punctuality is a key competitive advantage, facilitating smooth connections for travelers moving through the busy Americas network. The airline’s focus on reliable operations appears central to its continued growth and customer loyalty strategy.