SUA: Uruguay’s New Airline Announces Initial Routes and Prepares for Takeoff in 2026
The national flag carrier Sociedad Uruguaya de Aviación (SUA) has received approval for its ambitious route plan from the Aeronautical Board and is projected to begin operations in the first half of 2026, as reported by the newspaper Ámbito. This announcement marks a decisive step for the country, which has been without a national airline since the disappearance of Pluna in 2012.
Expanding Regional Connectivity
SUA will offer both scheduled and non-scheduled services for passenger transport, cargo, mail, and mixed operations, with a route network primarily focused on South American destinations.
Among the approved routes, the following stand out:
- Up to nine daily flights between Montevideo and Buenos Aires (Aeroparque).
- Four daily flights to São Paulo.
- Connections with Chile, Paraguay, and multiple cities in Argentina and Brazil.
The plan also includes three daily frequencies to: Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario, Brasilia, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Foz do Iguaçu, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, Santiago de Chile, and Asunción.
→ LATAM Launches Its Tenth Route Between Brazil and Argentina: Recife-Buenos Aires
Additionally, a service between Punta del Este and Aeroparque will be introduced, covering a key route, especially during the high season.
Certification Process Continues
According to Uruguay’s National Directorate of Civil Aviation and Aeronautical Infrastructure (Dinacia), the approval of the route plan allows SUA to move forward to the next phase of the certification process. Now, SUA must submit detailed information on:
- Fleet
- Maintenance plan
- Crew
- Technical planning
These requirements are essential to obtain the final authorization permitting the start of operations.
Strategic Alliance with AirBaltic
One of the most significant announcements during SUA’s public presentation was the cooperation agreement with Latvian airline AirBaltic. This partnership will enable the new Uruguayan carrier to operate Airbus A220-300 aircraft, a model valued for its fuel efficiency and optimal performance on medium-haul routes.
This agreement not only strengthens SUA’s operational model but also positions the company with a modern and competitive fleet from the outset.
Advantage of the Open Skies Agreement
SUA will benefit from the open skies agreement that Uruguay maintains with countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay, which allows the establishment of routes and frequencies without facing significant bilateral restrictions. This policy facilitates the implementation of the regional expansion plan and reinforces the country’s air integration.
A Strategic Return After More Than a Decade
With the approval of its initial network and an estimated launch date in 2026, SUA aims to reclaim a central role in the regional air travel map. The void left by Pluna over a decade ago left the country without its own airline with a sustained presence on strategic routes.
Now, with institutional backing, an ambitious network, and key international agreements, SUA is poised to become a relevant player in repositioning Uruguay within the South American commercial aviation landscape.
Related Topics
British Airways Introduces New VIP Lounge Concept with Openings in Miami and Dubai
SWISS’s First Airbus A350 Lands in Zurich, Marking a New Era for Airline
Lufthansa Debuts New Allegris Cabin on Flights from Frankfurt to Toronto, Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, Hyderabad, and Austin
United Airlines Strengthens Transatlantic Leadership with Flights to New Cities in Croatia, Italy, Scotland, and Spain for Summer 2026
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.