SUA and airBaltic Partner to Launch Airbus A220-300 Operations in Uruguay by Late 2025
SUA Líneas Aéreas and airBaltic have joined forces to enhance connectivity in South America using Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The startup has announced plans to operate flights to Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile.
On January 28, Uruguayan startup SUA Líneas Aéreas and Latvian carrier airBaltic officially announced their strategic alliance, aiming to launch operations with five Airbus A220-300 aircraft in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
Strengthening Uruguay’s Air Connectivity
The announcement took place at Carrasco International Airport, where SUA CEO Antonio Rama highlighted the similarities between Uruguay and Latvia in terms of market size and geographic challenges. He noted that both countries face the need to strengthen air connectivity due to their small populations and proximity to larger markets.
"airBaltic’s presence in this alliance not only brings expertise and capacity but also reflects a structural reality similar to ours: a small country surrounded by major markets with an unmet demand for air connectivity," Rama stated.
Uruguay, with 3.5 million residents—nearly double Latvia’s population—offers a stable economy and strategic location, attracting investor interest. Rama emphasized the airline’s potential to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
airBaltic’s Role and Airbus A220-300 Integration
airBaltic President Martin Gauss revealed that Airbus played a key role in facilitating the partnership. Under the agreement, airBaltic will exclusively supply SUA with Airbus A220-300 aircraft, a model that has proven successful in Latvia, operating 140 routes from a smaller market than Uruguay, signaling strong growth potential for SUA.
Operational Plans and Expansion Strategy
Rama dismissed speculation about Saudi Arabian funding, confirming that SUA is finalizing its capitalization process before moving on to regulatory approval, which is expected to take four to five months.
The airline plans to connect key cities in Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay by late 2025. Recently renovated airports in Rivera and Salto have been mentioned as potential destinations, but specific routes have yet to be confirmed.
Uruguay’s Minister of Tourism, Eduardo Sanguinetti, attended the event, highlighting the project’s significance for national connectivity and tourism development.
Differentiation from Pluna and the Impact of Airbus A220-300
SUA will become the first airline in Latin America and the Caribbean to operate the Airbus A220-300, a highly efficient aircraft with low regional penetration so far.
Laurent Bayer, Airbus Vice President of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized the importance of the SUA-airBaltic collaboration and the advantages of the A220-300, which:
- Seats up to 160 passengers
- Has a range of 6,300 km, significantly greater than the 2,871 km range of the CRJ 900 previously used by defunct Pluna
- Consumes 20% less fuel than older aircraft, making regional connections to Montevideo more efficient
The aircraft’s efficiency and range could position Montevideo as a key hub for the Southern Cone, enabling flights to northeastern Brazil, Patagonia, Peru, and even Colombia.
Open Skies Agreement and Future Expansion
SUA aims to leverage Uruguay’s open-skies agreements with Argentina and Chile, allowing it to operate domestic routes in both countries under the Ninth Freedom of the Air. This would facilitate triangular routes between multiple cities, benefiting underserved markets.
100% Private Investment and Economic Impact
SUA has emphasized that it will not receive financial support from the Uruguayan government and will be fully privately funded. However, its launch is expected to enhance connectivity, boost passenger traffic, and generate additional revenue for Uruguay’s tourism sector.
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