Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbronn confirmed that Copa will join Star Alliance in April 2012.

Earlier this year, the carrier increased arrival/departure slots at its Hub of the Americas in Panama City (PTY). Heilbronn said Copa Airlines will add 10 Boeing 737-800s next year to its young fleet.

Heilbronn also ruled out adding a long-haul fleet connecting PTY with Europe or Asia saying, "We have still many destinations available to expand in North and South America".

Copa Holdings, parent of Panama's Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia (formerly Aero Republica), posted third-quarter net income of USD70.3 million, nearly on par with a USD71.5 million net profit earned in the prior year's period. The carrier said full year consolidated capacity will be 21% higher than 2010 capacity while 2012 capacity will increase a further 20%.

Copa Airlines is represented in Australia by Discover the World Marketing.