PANAMA CITY, Feb 02, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Copa Airlines, subsidiary of Copa Holdings S.A. (NYSE: CPA), today announced it has signed a formal agreement with the SkyTeam global airline alliance, confirming Copa is on track to join the alliance as an Associate member. The agreement is a formal step forward in Copa's ongoing membership process, which will culminate in the airline becoming an Associate member later this year. Today's signing marks Copa Airlines' entry into a very select group of Latin American carriers who participate in, or are associated with, a global airline alliance.

As a SkyTeam Associate, Copa Airlines will work with SkyTeam partners to implement all necessary alliance standards and requirements. Upon completion of this task, Copa Airlines will receive formal approval from the SkyTeam Governing Board, becoming an official SkyTeam Associate member.

Once in SkyTeam, Copa Airlines' passengers will have access to a wide variety of additional perks and benefits. Passengers will be able to earn the miles of their choice on any SkyTeam flight and use their miles for reward travel to over 500 travel destinations worldwide on any SkyTeam partner. They will also have access to SkyTeam VIP lounges where applicable. Additionally, with a single check-in process, Copa passengers will have access to a vast network of global flights, more fare options, seamless connectivity between carriers, and unified customer service under the SkyTeam banner.

"Copa's growth will be enhanced by its association with SkyTeam, which will allow more travelers to easily access and take advantage of our extensive intra-Latin American network," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. "We look forward to extending the SkyTeam brand in Latin America, while our passengers benefit from greater access to global destinations and seamless travel on SkyTeam partner airlines."

Jorge Garcia, Commercial VP, Copa Airlines, hosted the signing ceremony in Panama City to recognize the occasion, which was attended by SkyTeam representatives from Continental Airlines and Air France.

About Copa Airlines

With a fleet of 30 aircraft, Copa Airlines currently offers approximately 110 daily scheduled flights to 36 destinations in 21 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. In addition, Copa Airlines provides passengers with access to flights to more than 120 other international destinations through codeshare agreements with Continental Airlines and other airlines. Visit Copa Airlines on the Web at: http://www.copaair.com .

About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is the global airline alliance partnering ten members, including Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. Through one of the world's most extensive hub networks, SkyTeam offers its approximately 373 million annual passengers a worldwide system of nearly 15,000 daily flights covering all major destinations. Visit SkyTeam on the Web at http://www.skyteam.com . CPA-G

SOURCE Copa Airlines

Paola Valdes, Copa Airlines, +011-507-304-2927

http://www.copaair.com

Copyright (C) 2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

News Provided by COMTEX