Vuelo internacional a Bocas y Chiriquí
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| registro. En el Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen se crearía un puesto de registro especial para los pasajeros internacionales que harían el trasbordo para viajar al interior del país. LA PRENSA/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 starting 15 days ago representatives of both companies sat down to talk about the possibility of an alliance and have a maximum of two weeks from today to finalize the partnership.
In reaching an agreement with passengers traveling from Copa’s 45 destinations (AND ALL OF COPA’S PARTNERS KLM, CO, DELTA DESTINATIONS ) would arrive at Tocumen International Airport and board an Air Panama plane to travel to the city of David or Bocas del Toro with a single ticket.
Copa thus enters into the business of domestic flights with the help of Air Panama, the alliance would ensure many passengers.
If the Copa / Air Panama pact is to 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 Copa individually target the local business and rent or buy small aircraft that would carry the logo of the company to operate the route.
Copa confirmed it’s interest for the domestic market when the company sent a letter to the Civil Aviation Authority Civil concerning the items that must be improved at the three airports which would be linked in this connection, Tocumen, Enrique Malek in Chiriqui and the airport of Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro province.
Copa recommended that the terminal Tocumen make separate counter to register people who would make the transfer to Chiriqui or Bocas del Toro. Also, COPA considers it important to have special parking for these passengers and baggage transfer point directly to the smaller jets to prevent travelers passing by again security posts.
With regard to airports in Bocas del Toro and Enrique Malek (DAV)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 checked baggage. Also been asked to increase the number of customs and immigration and implement a contingency plans, as well as installing a fire
station.Bocas del Toro specificly was requested to appoint a surgeon at the hospital in Isla Colon to meet passengers in the event of a medical emergency.
