The National Team Plane

June 1, 2026

Panama’s national team now has its own aircraft: an impressive Boeing 737 MAX 8 inspired by the passion of La Marea Roja, the harpy eagle, and the most unforgettable moments in Panamanian soccer history. It carries the pride and excitement of a country on its way to the 2026 World Cup throughout the Americas.

A national dream soaring across the skies of the Americas.

Panama’s excitement is no longer felt only in the stadium stands—it is now flying across the continent. Copa Airlines officially unveiled “The National Team Plane,” a spectacular Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft—registration HP-9819CMP—inspired by the passion of La Marea Roja and the moments that forever shaped the history of Panamanian soccer.

Covered with national and soccer-inspired symbols, the aircraft celebrates Panama’s second FIFA World Cup qualification. It is an airborne tribute to the hopes of an entire nation. From the vibrant red representing the energy of the fans to the harpy eagle and illustrations of unforgettable moments, every detail tells a story of pride and anticipation.

An idea born from Panamanian creativity.

The aircraft was presented by Copa Airlines—official airline and sponsor of the Panama National Soccer Team—together with the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT), in an event that united aviation, sports, and national identity.

Behind the design are Panamanians Ernesto de León and Henry Katz, winners of “The National Team Plane” contest, an initiative launched last November inviting citizens to express their creativity and leave their mark in the skies. The competition generated enormous enthusiasm, with nearly 700 proposals submitted from across the country.

Más que una aeronave, es un símbolo que lleva la pasión, la identidad y los sueños de Panamá a cada rincón del continente.

A design crafted from memory and passion.

The jury—made up of representatives from Copa Airlines, artist Olga Sinclair, creative director Jorge Heilbron, and Ganexa director Ricaurte Martínez—selected the design that best captured the passion and spirit of the Panamanian national team.

“They managed to capture the emotion of a country once again experiencing the celebration of soccer,” said Marco Ocando, senior director of marketing at Copa Airlines, who added that the aircraft will carry “the pride, energy, and excitement of millions of Panamanians on the road to the 2026 World Cup.”

Among the design’s most emotional elements are Román Torres’s historic goal, which sent Panama to its first World Cup, and the image of Luis “El Matador” Tejada, an enduring symbol of talent, strength, and determination for an entire generation of fans.

La Marea Roja, no from the hights

It all comes together in a giant moving red wave representing La Marea Roja, accompanied by the iconic rallying cry “¡Vamos Panamá!” emblazoned across the fuselage. Even the word “Panama,” visible on the underside of the aircraft, was intentionally placed so that people looking up from the ground can instantly recognize this national symbol soaring overhead.

“This aircraft represents far more than a design; it is the pride of an entire country flying alongside its national team directly toward the next FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Fernando Arce, acting president of FEPAFUT.

A Panamanian ambassador in the skies.

Painted at Boeing’s factory in the United States, the aircraft will not only accompany Panama’s national team on its World Cup journey, but will also travel throughout the Americas, carrying Panamanian passion to the 88 destinations in 32 countries served by Copa Airlines.

The unveiling of “The National Team Plane” is part of a broader series of initiatives through which Copa Airlines has chosen to support Panama’s World Cup dream, including the launch of the official “Sube la Marea Remix” music video, a musical and visual tribute to the energy, culture, and pride of Panamanian fans.

Because some dreams are too big for a soccer field… and this one has already taken flight.

No posts found!