SUA Líneas Aéreas – Uruguay’s new flag carrier
February 8, 2025
The existence of the new airline was unveiled in January 2024, but the Sociedad Uruguaya de Aviación (SUA) presented its detailed launch plans at the‘Fitur’ international travel fair in Madrid in January 2025.
Uruguay has been without a flag carrier since the demise of PLUNA (Primeras Líneas Uruguayas de Navegación Aérea) Líneas Aéreas Uruguayas SA, which was closed down by the Uruguayan Government on 5 July 2012, two days after the airline’s employees went on strike amid mounting financial difficulties. Its 13 CRJ900s were auctioned off.
SUA Lineas Aereas is being launched as part of a strategic partnership with Latvia’s airBaltic, which will provide the initial fleet – supplying up to five Airbus A220-300s via a wet-lease agreement from October 2025.
Martin Gauss, Air Baltic CEO, said that SUA aims to provide direct connections for passengers who have limited or inconvenient options. “This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and improving air connectivity globally. We are looking forward to supporting SUA in their journey to strengthen regional connectivity and deliver exceptional service in Latin America.”
Air Baltic will also provide pilot training and operational support, including expertise, IT and automation.
SUA chief executive Antonio Rama said that: “Through this alliance, we will benefit from Air Baltic’s expertise in key areas such as fleet management, operational efficiency, and staff training, equipping us with the tools needed to develop a customer-focused operation.”
Later, Montevideo-based SUA hopes to operate its own aircraft and to grow its fleet to up to ten aircraft. SUA Líneas Aéreas plans to operate services between Montevideo and a number of domestic airports, but also to international destinations in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
