Copa Airlines graduates 65 aviation maintenance technicians from its ATA academy

Copa Airlines has graduated 65 new aircraft maintenance technicians from its Aeronautical Technicians Academy (ATA) in Panama. The graduates completed a theoretical and practical program in aircraft inspection and maintenance systems.

They will join the airline's operations directly, supporting its technical capacity as it incorporates new aircraft and expands operations. Among the graduates, 21 specialized in powerplants, an area directly tied to fleet sustainment. The cohort also included 10 women, representing 15 percent of the group.

Rafael Samudio, Copa Airlines' vice president of technical operations, said that every aircraft departure depends on highly trained technicians responsible for ensuring the aircraft is in required operating condition. He noted that Copa needs more professionals with this training and that through ATA the airline is preparing talent in Panama with practical experience and knowledge suited to operational needs. The program, he added, gives young people the opportunity to develop a specialized career and strengthens Panama's technical aviation capacity.