You may have observed that Copa Airlines has had a similar color scheme and design to United Airlines for many years. To answer Is Copa Airlines Part Of United is that, no, Copa Airlines is not a part of United Airlines. However, these two airlines cooperate due to participation in the Star Alliance. This long-standing partnership enables the airlines to cooperate and provide codeshared flight services and many other reciprocal benefits to their customers.
There were some considerations about United buying Copa but this never came to fruition due to several factors. However, the airlines’ relations are still effective and integrated for them to meet the needs of their customers. If you are in doubt whether Copa is affiliated with United or if you wish to know all the information, feel free to read this article. Further, you will know other compiled alliances and loyalty programs of Copa Airlines and a brief business outline of the existing Copa Airlines.
How Copa Airlines’ Partnerships Strengthen Its Global Reach?
Copa Airlines is a connecting member of the Star Alliance and is in partnership with United Airlines. Since both airlines are members of this prestigious world alliance, they join to provide coordinated services on some of the flight connections. It can be very helpful for passengers.
Star Alliance is one of the biggest and most popular airline alliances that associates high levels of service and security. Certain requirements need to be fulfilled. However, only the airlines that fulfill all the criteria and have good underlying operational performance are eligible to join. According to the membership of the Star Alliance, it allows airlines to provide code-share flights and enhanced connectivity involving flight routes. In the next section, you will learn about the advantages of being a member of Star Alliance. First, let us show details of some of the other airlines that are members of this global alliance.
Aegean Air | Air Canada | Copa Airlines |
Air India | Ethiopian Airlines | Air New Zealand |
Lufthansa Airlines | ANA | Avianca |
Croatia Airlines | Air China | EgyptAir |
South African Airways | SAS | Shenzhen Airlines |
Brussels Airlines | Austrian | Swiss Airlines |
Turkish Airlines | Singapore Airlines | United Airlines |
EVA Air | Asiana Airlines | LOT Polish |
Comprehensive List of Copa Airlines Offices Worldwide.
A Brief Details of Copa Airlines
Name of the Airline | Copa Airlines |
Founded in | 21 June 1944 |
Contact Information | +1 305-876-7000 |
Official Website | www.copaair.com |
Facebook Handle | www.facebook.com/copaairlines |
Instagram Handle | www.instagram.com/copaairlines |
Twitter Handle | twitter.com/CopaAirlines |
YouTube Handle | www.youtube.com/user/copaairlines |
Why do Copa Airlines and United Airlines Share a Similar Livery Design?
Many people raise the question “Is Copa Airlines Part Of United”. Here’s what you need to know about this. The fact that Copa Airlines’ livery looks very similar to United’s is not a stranger as both airlines were in quite a partnership. Until the latter merged with Continental Airlines. Copa and Continental entered into a strategic partnership in 1998 and Continental bought a controlling stake of 49% in Copa. This was later increased to 51% in 1999. This partnership was a major change in Copa as it launched the new brand and initiated the OnePass frequent flyer program. Additionally, it improved the fleet with the Boeing 737 NG equipment.
In conjunction with the rebranding, Copa also changed its aircraft design. Having the company’s name across the white fuselage, a dark blue tail with the globe design in gold and white stripes. It bore an uncanny resemblance to the colours worn by Continental Airlines at that period that one could be forgiven for thinking they belonged to the same airline.
Between 2000 and 2009 Copa ranges its destinations such as Cancun, Sao Paulo, Tegucigalpa, Orlando, Los Angeles, and New York. By 2005 it became the third Latin American airline to be floated on the New York Stock Exchange. Continental finally retired in 2012, when it merged with United Airlines, with the new company. Simply taking the United name although featuring a design based on Continental’s one. This is why currently the Copa livery is very similar to United’s — it was based on the Continental’s branding.
Star Alliance Perks for Copa and United Airlines Customers
Traveling with Copa Airlines or United Airlines and other members of Star Alliance is more than advantageous in many ways. Here are some key perks for passengers:
- Codeshare Flights and Additional Links: Copa and United, with the help of the codeshare agreement, have their schedules aligned within the Star Alliance. As a result of this partnership, passengers can book trips to other locations with much ease. Information about these flights including the fares is available on both airlines’ websites where one can book the tickets.
- Lounge Access: For instance, if you are flying with Copa or United, you are allowed to use airport lounges irrespective of the airline you are using. Star Alliance members are allowed free snacks and drinks plus free meals. In addition convenient areas for resting/sharing ideas or for entertainment.
- Points Reward and Priority Service: Passengers traveling frequently on Copa and United can accumulate points or miles in the programs of the two airlines. These rewards can be used for flight or other related services and they can also be gifted out to friends or relatives. Besides, high-frequency travelers get a fast check-in, fast security check, and many other services for VIP persons.
Copa or United Airlines points accumulated can be redeemed on other airlines. They are part of the Star Alliance meaning one has the opportunity to book in any of the airlines in the alliance. This cooperation applies to all the members of the alliance. Also, it makes traveling easier and loyalty to be rewarded.
Final Thoughts
So you might be wondering if Copa Airlines is part of United Airlines. Here it is not as simple as it may seem. However, Copa is also a partner of United and both are members of the Star Alliance. But Copa does not own a branch of United Airlines and there has not been a consolidation of companies. However, previous rumors suggested that the airline was on the verge of being bought by another airline. Additionally, Copa Airlines still retains its own identity. To know more, you may visit other Star Alliance airlines and discover the numerous travel privileges of this alliance. Above all, now you know whether is Copa Airlines part Of United or not.
FAQ’s – People May Ask
Star Alliance is a global airline network that is a group of the world’s major airlines.
No, Copa is not a part of United. Copa is also a member of the Star Alliance just like United Airlines but these two entities are separate and different Airlines.
When operating in the Star Alliance Copa and United coordinate their services. Also, cooperate with other members to provide passengers with improved connectivity and travel experiences.