Yes, no housing allowance for anyone hired under the new contract.
But, it doesn't matter, because housing is so cheap in Panama. You can get a great/affordable apartment in Curundu with the big bucks COPA pays.
I should have found a place in Chanis. All of the time I have spent doing circles in the recojo throughout Chanis, it would have made sense.
And speaking of the recojo; if you want to prepare for your COPA career, one helpful thing you can do is the following:
First, stay up all night (no sleep whatsoever) Second, find a swivel chair and replace the cushioning with a wooden plank. Next, sit in the chair and have someone spin you round and round for 3 hours. While they are spinning you, have them jolt the chair violently every so often. This will simulate the nearly constant "almost crashes" you will witness in real life. For extra credit, you will want your assistant to honk a car horn randomly. Finally have your assistant kick you in the nuts as hard as possible.
Welcome to Copa!