PICTURES: Copa debuts new business class on first 737 Max 9

Copa Airlines has unveiled its first Boeing 737 Max 9, featuring the airline's first lie-flat seats in business class and a new economy extra section. With 166 seats on board, the aircraft will offer slightly more capacity than Copa's 737-800s which are equipped with 154 or 160 seats. The 737-9 also boasts overhead compartments that are 50% larger, says the Panamanian carrier. The aircraft marks a new era for Copa, after 70 years of commercial service, says Copa chief executive Pedro Heilbron. Registered HP-9901CMP and powered with CFM International Leap-1B engines, the 737-9 was delivered to the Star Alliance carrier in late August. The Max fleet is expected to reduce the airline's fuel consumption by 14%