Panama, October 3, 2010 -- Copa Airlines flight 716 (registration # HP-1524) from Maracaibo to Panama and connecting cities landed today, Sunday, October 3, in Barranquilla 40 minutes into the flight after the pilot noticed a crack in the window on the first officer's (copilot) side of the aircraft.  Following the airline's established safety procedures, the pilot informed passengers of the situation.  As a preventive measure and without risk to the crew or passengers, the pilot made a normal descent into the Barranquilla International Airport, landing at 8:06 a.m.  At the airport, the aircraft was taken to maintenance and Copa Airlines changed equipment (registration # HP-1533) to enable passengers to continue with their travel plans.

The situation was handled without risk to anyone on board and the captain of the aircraft followed all established safety rules and procedures.  The safety of the crew and passengers is always a priority for Copa Airlines.