Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron Named 2014 Jannus Award Recipient

(May 23, 2014) - Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron was named this year’s Tony Jannus Award recipient at a press conference held at Tampa International Airport on May 21. Heilbron will officially receive the award at a dinner banquet held in his honor at the historic Renaissance Vinoy on October 30, 2014.

Dedicated to recognizing exceptional leaders in the aviation community, the Tony Jannus Society chose Heilbron as the recipient for this prestigious award due to his outstanding achievements in the aviation industry. Since joining Copa Airlines in 1988, Heilbron has led the airline to become one of the most successful in Latin America.

Copa launched four-times-weekly nonstop flights from Tampa to Panama City in December. Since then, nearly 15,000 passengers have taken advantage of the service.

Operating from the Hub of the Americas in Panama, Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia are leading Latin American providers of passenger and cargo services. As of summer 2014, Copa will fly to 69 destinations in 30 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, including 10 U.S. destinations. Copa has one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry and its on-time performance of almost 90 percent is the industry-recognized best in America. A member of Star Alliance, the leading global airline network, Copa received Skytrax awards for “Best Airline and “Best Cabin and Airport Crew” in Central America and the Caribbean in 2013.

“Copa Airlines is very pleased to join the ranks of the distinguished leaders in the field of aviation who have received the prestigious Jannus Award,” Heilbron said. “This award is for Copa’s more than 8,000 dedicated coworkers throughout the Americas who work diligently every day to provide a first-rate travel experience, and to run an efficient and reliable airline that contributes to the growth of international commerce.”

“We’re thrilled to see Mr. Heilbron receive this great honor, as he is truly an innovative leader in the industry,” said Chris Minner, VP of Marketing at Tampa International Airport. “His decision to partner with Tampa International Airport and create this new link between Tampa and Latin America is already having a profound effect on the Tampa Bay area’s regional economy and tourism industry and creates easy business and family connections for our passengers from both sides.”

“With more than 20 years of dedication and service, Mr. Heilbron has proven to be an innovator in the Latin American aviation industry,” said Bill McGrew, 2014 Co-chair. “The society is proud to acknowledge Mr. Heilbron’s achievements with the 51st Tony Jannus Award.”