BUSINESS & ECONOMY |
|
COPA AIR PANAMA NEGOTIATE PARTNERSHIP
International flight to Bocas and Chiriqui
Copa has recommended improving three local airports, which also shows his interest in operating domestic flights.
 |
| registration. At Tocumen International Airport would create a post of special register of international passengers that would make the shuttle to travel within the country. PRESS / Maydée Romero |
aehernandez@prensa.com
The issuance of an airline ticket New York-Panama, Panama-Bocas del Toro can be a reality within the next 12 months if companies Copa Airlines and Air Panama agree to share codes.
A source close to the negotiations said that for 15 days the representatives of both companies sat down to talk about the possibility of an alliance and have a maximum of two weeks from the date, to finalize the partnership.
To reach an agreement with passengers traveling from 45 destinations Cup covering the company would hit the Tocumen International Airport and board a plane from Air Panama to travel to the city of David or Bocas del Toro with a single ticket.
Copa thus enter the business of domestic flights from the hand of Air Panama, while the latter would ensure many passengers to the alliance.
Copa Air Panama If materialize this air link would begin flights in late 2010 or mid next year.
On the other hand, if the agreement fails, there is the possibility that individually target the Copa local business and rent or buy small aircraft that carry the logo of the company to operate the route.
Copa's interest by the domestic market is such that the company sent a letter to the Civil Aviation Authority on the points to be improved at the three airports that would be associated with this connection, Tocumen, Enrique Malek in Chiriqui and Columbus Isle Airport in the province of Bocas del Toro.
It recommended that Terminal Tocumen create a separate registration point for people who would make the transfer to Chiriqui or Bocas del Toro.
Also, FIFA considers it important to have special parking for these passengers and baggage transfer point directly to the small aircraft to prevent passengers pass again by the security checkpoints.
In relation to airports in Bocas del Toro and Enrique Malek in the province of Chiriqui Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended building a perimeter fence to prevent access to people and animals to the runway and the installation of X-ray equipment to check the baggage.
Also been asked to increase the number of customs and immigration and implement a contingency plan for avian risk, as well as installing a fire station.
In the specific case of Bocas del Toro was asked to appoint a surgeon at the hospital in Isla Colon to meet passengers in the event of a medical emergency.
