Uruguays New National Airline Set to Launch Soon
Uruguay is on the brink of welcoming a new national airline, thanks to the ambitious plans unveiled by startup Sociedad Uruguaya de Aviación (SUA). Announced at the prestigious “Fitur” international travel trade show in Madrid, Spain, which took place from January 22-26, 2025, SUA aims to fill the void left by the absence of a national carrier since 2013.
The official details of SUA’s operations are slated to be revealed on January 28, 2025, during an event at Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Montevideo. However, preliminary information indicates that SUA intends to launch its services using Airbus A220 aircraft, which will be wet-leased from airBaltic. This move is particularly noteworthy as SUA would become the first airline in Latin America to operate the A220 model, a modern and fuel-efficient aircraft known for its reliability and passenger comfort.
SUA’s business strategy includes an initial fleet of six A220 aircraft within the first 18 months of operation. This fleet is expected to expand to ten aircraft within three years, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to growth and scalability. Additionally, SUA plans to establish the first maintenance and training center for Airbus A220 aircraft in Latin America, positioning itself as a leader in aviation maintenance and pilot training in the region.
Antonio Rama, the founder of SUA, brings a wealth of experience to the venture. A former Qatar Airways B777 captain, Rama has a proven track record in the aviation industry, having previously founded U-Air, a low-cost airline in Uruguay that operated from 2003 to 2005. His latest endeavor is backed by Saudi capital, providing the necessary financial support to realize SUA’s ambitious plans. Rama’s expertise and previous experience in launching an airline from scratch are pivotal to SUA’s potential success.
Uruguay has been without a national carrier since the liquidation of Pluna in 2013. Previous attempts to establish a national airline have been short-lived. For instance, Buquebus launched “BQB Líneas Aéreas” in 2010, which ceased operations in 2015. Similarly, Bolivian carrier Amaszonas operated flights out of Uruguay before winding up in 2023. These efforts highlight the challenges of maintaining a stable national airline in the region.
As of January 2025, Uruguay’s air connectivity is entirely reliant on foreign carriers, including major airlines such as LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Azul, JetSmart, and Avianca. The introduction of SUA is expected to enhance Uruguay’s connectivity, providing more options for travelers and boosting the country’s aviation infrastructure.
SUA’s entry into the market comes at a time when regional connectivity is increasingly important. The Airbus A220’s efficiency and modern features make it an ideal choice for both domestic and international routes, potentially attracting a broad customer base. By establishing a maintenance and training center, SUA not only ensures the sustainability of its operations but also contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and fostering skill development in the aviation sector.
The upcoming event at Carrasco International Airport will provide further insights into SUA’s launch plans, including route networks, ticketing strategies, and partnership opportunities. Stakeholders and aviation enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the announcement, hoping that SUA will succeed where previous national carriers have struggled.
Sociedad Uruguaya de Aviación (SUA) represents a promising new chapter for Uruguay’s aviation industry. With experienced leadership, strategic financial backing, and a modern fleet, SUA is well-positioned to become Uruguay’s first successful national airline in over a decade. As the launch date approaches, the aviation community will be watching closely to see how SUA navigates the challenges of establishing a new airline in a competitive market.
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