Emirates to start services to Panama City

Service to Panama City, Panama’s capital and largest city by population, will commence with a daily flight operated by a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft in a 3-class layout - 8 in First, 42 in Business, and 216 in Economy. The aircraft can carry up to 15 tonnes of cargo. Key imports to the country include pharmaceuticals, machinery products, iron/steel rods, and electronics. Service to Panama City will operate through Tocumen International Airport (PTY). 

Both a vibrant metropolis and gateway to tropical destinations, Panama City is also the economic and financial centre of the country with the major industries being international banking, commerce, and tourism. Ideally located between North and South America, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Panama City has developed an unrivalled transportation and communication network. It operates two of the busiest ports in Latin America, including the Colon Free Trade Zone - the world's second largest free trade zone. Additionally, the ongoing expansion of the Panama Canal has helped contribute to Panama’s economic growth in recent years. 

“Panama City will be our first destination gateway in Central America, providing a convenient option for our passengers travelling from or through our global hub in Dubai and onward to destinations throughout Central America, the Caribbean and the northern part of South America,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group. “We’re also pleased to be the only commercial airline to offer a daily, First Class service to travellers on what will be the world’s longest non-stop flight.”

"It is gratifying to see how diplomatic efforts focused on generating development and prosperity for Panama materialise," said Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, vice president of the Republic of Panama. “New doors to the country will open with a direct connection to the Middle East - a strong and thriving region with great synergies to both Panama and Latin America.” 

“This new direct flight between Dubai and Panama City will connect Latin America with the Middle East, Asia and Africa,” explained Eduardo Fonseca Ward, Consul General of the Republic of Panama, in Dubai. “This link will generate a broader global network with countless commercial and cultural opportunities for the two regions. It has been a pleasure to work with the Emirates team, who have shared the vision of Panama and Dubai as hubs of trade, prosperity and hope.” 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “In launching a new service to Panama City, Emirates has carved a path to a key gateway that is strategically and ideally located for passengers to make good connections to North and Latin America as well as to regional neighbours such as Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua. 

“With a 17 hour 35m flight, proposed as the longest in the world, deploying the world's longest ranged airplane in the 777-200LR not only gives Emirates a low cost machine that offers its three-class award winning cabins, but that the cargo uplift available with the 777-200LR will enable the airline to hone in on freight business too.” 

He added: “Routes with extreme length and duration such as Panama City will be earmarked for the likes of the 777-8X that Emirates has on order - the carrier continues its drive to expand as airplane capabilities allow it to do so and this service to Panama City will not just be a niche market here - Emirates has clearly identified that it offers massive high yield potential and the lack of direct services to Central America from the GCC means that they'll have the spoils of this successful route for a considerable time until someone else emulates Emirates' move.”