Where should Copa Airlines fly next? Dallas, United States
Dallas was founded in 1841 by John Neely Bryan. It began as a small trading post along the Trinity River. Its strategic location and the arrival of railroads in the late 19th century fueled its growth into a regional center for commerce and agriculture. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further propelled Dallas’s growth, attracting major oil companies and establishing the city as a hub for banking and finance. Post-war Dallas experienced rapid urbanization, transforming it into a major urban center with a dynamic skyline and a thriving economy.
Dallas boasts an arts scene with numerous theaters, performing arts venues, and art galleries. The city is also home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Opera. From Tex-Mex classics to international flavors, Dallas offers a diverse culinary scene to satisfy every palate. Dallas is a sports-loving city, home to professional teams in football (Dallas Cowboys), basketball (Dallas Mavericks), hockey (Dallas Stars), and baseball (Texas Rangers).
Dallas is a major business hub with strong economic ties to Latin America. Direct flights would facilitate trade and investment between the two regions. Panama is a popular tourist destination, and direct flights from Dallas would make it more accessible to travelers from the United States. Direct flights would promote cultural exchange and foster closer ties between the people of Dallas and Panama. The airport for this destination would be Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? Phoenix, United States
Phoenix has a rich history intertwined with the indigenous Hohokam people, who inhabited the region centuries ago. The city’s modern history began in the late 19th century, with its growth spurred by the arrival of the railroad. Phoenix is a city with a diverse population and a thriving arts and culture scene. You’ll find world-class museums, art galleries, theaters, and live music venues. The city also boasts a strong Hispanic heritage, reflected in its cuisine and festivals.
Some places worth visiting in Phoenix are:
Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix Zoo.
Musical Instrument Museum
Heard Museum
Taliesin West
Camelback Mountain
South Mountain Park
If people want to be more adventurous, they can also travel north and visit the Grand Canyon.
Direct flights would make it easier for tourists from Panama to visit Phoenix, boosting tourism revenue for the city. Increased connectivity would facilitate business travel and trade between the two regions. Direct flights would promote cultural exchange and foster stronger ties between the two communities, potentially promoting an exchange in Hispanic cultures as well. The airport for this destination would be Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? San Diego, United States
San Diego is a city nestled on the Pacific Coast of Southern California. Founded in 1769 as a Spanish mission, San Diego played a crucial role in California’s early history. Its strategic location on the Pacific coast has made it a significant military base for centuries, with a strong naval presence. The city experienced rapid growth in the 20th century, driven by its mild climate, beaches, and burgeoning industries.
San Diego is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting its history as a gateway to both Mexico and the Pacific. The city is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters, including the renowned San Diego Museum of Art and the Old Globe Theatre. Throughout the year, San Diego hosts a variety of festivals and events, celebrating its diverse cultural heritage.
Other places to visit include:
Balboa Park
Gaslamp Quarter
La Jolla
San Diego Zoo
USS Midway Museum
San Diego would be the second destination in Southern California after Los Angeles for Copa Airlines, and the third destination in the state after SFO. The airport for this destination would be San Diego International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? Pittsburgh, United States
Founded in 1758 as Fort Pitt, Pittsburgh played a crucial role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. The city’s location at the confluence of three rivers (Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio) fueled its growth as a major industrial center, particularly in steel production. After the decline of the steel industry in the mid-20th century, Pittsburgh underwent a transformation, becoming a hub for education, healthcare, technology, and cultural activities.
Pittsburgh is known for its passionate sports fans and teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), and Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB). The city has a vibrant arts scene with numerous museums, theaters, and art galleries. The Andy Warhol Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Pittsburgh has a diverse culinary scene, with everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. People cannot miss the Primanti Bros. sandwiches.
Pittsburgh offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities that would appeal to tourists from Panama. The city’s growing economy in sectors like healthcare and technology could attract business travelers. Pittsburgh is home to several prestigious universities, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, which could attract students and researchers from Panama. Direct flights would significantly reduce travel time between Panama and Pittsburgh, making it easier and more convenient for people to visit and conduct business. The airport for this destination would be Pittsburgh International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? Charlotte, United States
The city of Charlotte was founded in 1768, it was named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III. In the 19th century, Charlotte was a center of gold mining, earning it the nickname “The Queen City.” Played a role during the Civil War, serving as a Confederate center. Today the city is a hub of culture and diversity, like many cities in the USA with its museums, theaters, music venues and a variety of restaurants, showcasing foreign cuisine. Charlotte is a sports city, known for its passionate sports fans, with teams in major leagues like the NFL (Carolina Panthers), NBA (Charlotte Hornets), and MLS (Charlotte FC).
Places to visit in Charlotte include:
Uptown Charlotte: the city center with skyscrapers, museums, and entertainment options.
NASCAR Hall of Fame: a must-visit for racing enthusiasts, showcasing the history and legends of NASCAR.
U.S. National Whitewater Center: offers outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining.
Levine Museum of the New South: explores the history and culture of the American South after the Civil War.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: houses a renowned collection of 20th-century modern art.
South End: a trendy neighborhood with art galleries, breweries, and restaurants.
North Davidson Street: a vibrant arts district with unique shops, cafes, and live music venues.
Copa Airlines already flies to North Carolina with its service to Raleigh. Adding flights to Charlotte can expand the options for tourists wanting to visit Panama and the rest of Central America. The airport for this destination would be Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? St. Louis, United States
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city located on the Mississippi River. It played a pivotal role in westward expansion and continues to be a vibrant hub for art, music, and sports. Founded in 1764 by French fur traders, St. Louis reflects its French heritage in its name and early architecture. Its strategic location on the Mississippi made it a key departure point for westward exploration. The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition embarked from St. Louis in 1804. In the 19th and 20th centuries, St. Louis thrived as an industrial center, particularly in brewing and manufacturing.
The city has world-class museums, including the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the City Museum, a unique and interactive museum. St. Louis has a rich musical tradition, particularly in jazz and blues. The city is home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year. St. Louis is passionate about sports, with major league teams in baseball (St. Louis Cardinals), hockey (St. Louis Blues), and soccer (St. Louis CITY SC).
Places to visit in St. Louis include:
Gateway Arch: this iconic monument, the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, offers views of the city.
St. Louis Zoo: features a diverse collection of animals and engaging exhibits.
City Museum:** A quirky and interactive museum built inside a former shoe factory, offering climbing structures, slides, and unique exhibits.
Forest Park: a urban park with a lake, gardens, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum.
Soulard: a historic neighborhood known for its French Quarter atmosphere, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.
I personally spent exactly 7 years and 7 months in St. Louis. I studied two degrees and I had the chance to visit for the first time the Midwest. I loved the city very much, and I appreciate the years spent there. I loved its diverse culture and its passion for sports, in particular the STL Cardinals. I think direct flights to St. Louis will be very beneficial for Panamanian students who study in Missouri, because Panama’s government has education agreements with US universities through scholarships. It can be another alternative for people who fly to Chicago and then take a flight to another destination within the Midwest.
The airport for this destination would be St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? Nashville, United States
“Music City, USA” was founded in 1779, Nashville grew rapidly due to its strategic location on the Cumberland River. The city played a significant role in the Civil War, experiencing Union occupation. In the mid-20th century, Nashville emerged as the center of the country music industry, attracting musicians and songwriters from across the country.
Country music is deeply rooted in Nashville’s culture. Live music venues abound, from honky-tonks on Broadway to intimate clubs and concert halls. Nashville is a food paradise, offering a diverse culinary scene with Southern comfort food, international cuisine, and innovative restaurants. The city boasts a thriving arts scene with museums, galleries, and street art. The Frist Art Museum and the Tennessee State Museum are notable institutions.
Places to visit in Nashville include:
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Ryman Auditorium
Grand Ole Opry House
Broadway
The Gulch Neighborhood
Belle Meade Plantation
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
The airport for this destination would be Nashville International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? Fort Myers, United States
Fort Myers was established during the Seminole Wars in the 19th century, serving as a military outpost. The city is renowned for being the winter residence of inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Their historic estates and laboratories are major tourist attractions. The area has a rich indigenous history, with the Calusa Indians having inhabited the region for centuries.
For people who enjoy culture, Fort Myers offers an arts scene with galleries, museums, and live music venues. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is a prominent cultural hub. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Edison Festival of Light, showcasing parades, concerts, and fireworks.
Places to visit in Fort Myers include:
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Fort Myers Beach
Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Downtown Fort Myers
More flights to South Florida can open new tourism opportunities for travelers from Panama and the region. The airport for this destination would be Southwest Florida International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? Philadelphia, United States
Founded in 1682 by William Penn, a Quaker, Philadelphia quickly grew into a major port city and a center of trade and commerce. Philadelphia played a pivotal role in American history. It was the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, making it a cradle of American democracy.
Philadelphia is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. From the historic streets of Old City to the vibrant arts scene in Fishtown, there’s something for everyone. Philadelphia is a renowned food city, famous for its cheesesteaks, Philly pretzels, and diverse culinary scene. The city boasts world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Rodin Museum. The airport for this destination would be Philadelphia International Airport.
Where should Copa Airlines fly next? Newark, United States
Founded in 1666 by Puritans, Newark played a role in the American Revolution. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Newark became a major industrial center, known for manufacturing, brewing, and insurance. Like many American cities, Newark faced challenges in the mid-20th century with urban decline, including deindustrialization and social unrest. In recent years, Newark has experienced a resurgence, with investments in infrastructure, arts, and culture.
Newark is known for its diverse population, reflecting its history as an immigrant gateway. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene with museums, theaters, and live music venues. Newark offers a diverse culinary landscape, with a range of international cuisines and local favorites.
Places to visit in Newark are for example:
Newark Museum of Art
Branch Brook Park
Ironbound
Prudential Center
Newark is already connected to Panama with United Airlines. Adding additional capacity with Copa Airlines, will allow the airline to strengthen their network with their fellow Star Alliance partner. The airport for this destination is Newark Liberty International Airport.
