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Copa Airlines vs LATAM Airlines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Copa Airlines (CM) and LATAM Airlines (LA) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Copa Airlines
LATAM Airlines
Country
Panama
Chile
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
CM
LA
Regulatory Authority
DGAC
DGAC
First Officer Salary
$50,000 - $90,000
$40,000 - $80,000
Captain Salary
$120,000 - $200,000
$100,000 - $180,000
Fleet
Boeing 737 MAX
Airbus A319/320/321, Boeing 767/777/787
Requirements Comparison
Copa Airlines
- DGAC ATPL or ICAO equivalent
- 1,500+ hours
- Class 1 medical
- Spanish and English proficiency
LATAM Airlines
- DGAC ATPL or ICAO equivalent
- 1,500+ hours total
- Class 1 medical
- Spanish and/or Portuguese proficiency
Pros & Cons
Copa Airlines
Pros
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
LATAM Airlines
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
About Each Airline
Copa Airlines
Panama's flagship carrier and a Star Alliance member, Copa connects the Americas through its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International.
Full Copa Airlines career guide →LATAM Airlines
Latin America's largest airline group, LATAM operates across South America with international routes to North America, Europe, and Oceania.
Full LATAM Airlines career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Copa Airlines or LATAM Airlines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator