Ok, I just returned from Panama
What they don't tell you is that there is an 18k training bond you have to sign for 3 years. Also, the pay is very very low $3800/mo (Capt. pay subject to a 23-24% Panamanian tax rate), $1080 per Diem a month (non-taxable) and $800 per month housing allowance for 2 years (non-taxable). There is supposed to be a new contract negotiation starting in Sept because they are losing so many experienced Captains. They are not hiring FOs at this point. The average FO is 21-25 years old and very inexperienced.
It is a non-commuting job. You are guaranteed 5 days off a month and they are not consecutive. They also will NOT allow you to ride the jumpseat on any Copa flight without permission from the fleet manager (the Capt has NO SAY). And of course, with such a policy, there is no
JS agreements with any other carriers.
Everyone in the country speaks spanish, so if you don't you will have a difficult time. Very nice people and we were treated well, but had long waits to go through the interview process. On the morning of the actual interview, we (3 of us) arrived at 9 am and did not talk to anyone until 3 pm.
Just want anyone thinking of interviewing there to go with their eyes wide open.