Copa Airlines has ordered 60 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in a deal worth about $13.5 billion, reinforcing Panama’s role as a regional aviation hub. The expansion is set to support the carrier’s Americas network and long-term growth.
President José Raúl Mulino highlighted a Copa Airlines aircraft deal with Boeing and GE Aerospace as a boost for Panama’s tourism and economy. The government is also advancing Stopover promotion, airport expansion, and passenger-processing upgrades.
Finance Minister Felipe Chapman denied any conflict of interest tied to the bioethanol project and said he has remained outside the debate. The response comes as the initiative faces criticism and closer scrutiny.
Panama has been drawn into a difficult 2026 World Cup group with England, Croatia and Ghana. The matchup gives the national team a major challenge against three experienced international sides.
Copa Airlines has ordered 60 more Boeing 737 MAX jets in a $13.5 billion deal, signaling confidence in long-term growth and Panama’s role as an aviation hub. The expansion could strengthen the airline’s regional network and fuel efficiency.
Panama has started moving about 400 women to the new La Esmeralda women’s prison center, a facility designed to improve conditions and support rehabilitation. The transfer highlights ongoing efforts to modernize the penitentiary system.
A National Assembly committee advanced a bill to eliminate Panama’s presidential discretionary fund, sending the proposal to first debate. Supporters call it a check on unchecked spending, while some lawmakers prefer stricter regulation instead of removal.
Panama’s National Lottery has suspended Lotto and Pega 3 after a Supreme Court ruling. The decision has raised questions about the games’ future and the status of prizes.
The Panama Canal Authority expects the U.S.-Iran war in the Middle East to drive more ships through the canal. The surge highlights Panama’s role as a vital route for global trade.
Seven people were arrested in Panama during the international “Aliados por la Infancia VI” operation targeting child sexual abuse across 15 countries. The case highlights Panama’s role in cross-border law enforcement against crimes involving minors.
IFARHU plans to issue the first PASE-U payment of the 2026 cycle at the end of June after finishing beneficiary list verification. The institution is also preparing to shift the program to card-based payments.
The United States and several regional governments issued a joint statement supporting Panama’s sovereignty amid tensions involving China. The move highlights Panama’s strategic importance and the geopolitical interest surrounding the country.
University of Panama specialists are urging modernization of Panama’s road infrastructure after the blast at the Bridge of the Americas. They also called for preventive inspections of the Centenario Bridge as traffic pressure may increase.
Panama’s bioethanol project was suspended in second debate in the National Assembly amid questions over the initiative. Finance Minister Felipe Chapman distanced himself from the proposal as scrutiny grew.
ASEP inspected the Generadora Gatún power plant in a visit led by administrator Zelmar Rodríguez. The move highlights Panama’s ongoing regulatory oversight of its electricity sector.
A partial power outage disrupted several sectors across Panama after a failure in the national integrated system, according to ENSA. The incident highlights the impact of grid interruptions on daily life and business activity.
Nearly 400 women inmates were transferred to Panama’s new La Esmeralda women’s prison, in a move aimed at improving detention conditions. The Penitentiary System director remained on site during the operation to oversee the process.
CEPANIM payments in Panama will begin in June 2026 through a staggered rollout and will not be delivered in cash. Beneficiaries are being advised to understand how the certificate system works.
Copa Airlines has ordered 60 Boeing 737 Max jets in a deal worth about $13.5 billion. The expansion is expected to create 2,100 new jobs in Panama over four years.
The United States and several regional allies voiced support for Panama, warning that threats to its sovereignty would affect the wider hemisphere. The statement also raised concerns about China’s influence in the region.