Ecuadorian startup airline Ecuatoriana Airlines postpones its launch date to early 2022. Previously, the airline was planning to enter the South American aviation market in mid-fall 2021.
Now, Ecuatoriana Airlines is planning to start flying in Q1 2022, according to its latest announcement.
Once operational, the startup plans to offer connectivity services to various domestic destinations across Ecuador. Its initial network will include several domestic routes as well as flights connecting Manta (MEC) with Quito (UIO), Guayaquil (GYE), and Cuenca (CUE). In addition to domestic destinations, Ecuatoriana also plans to add a direct connection between Ecuador and Galapagos Islands.
Chief executive Eduardo Delgado noted that a part of the airline’s initial fleet will consist of three Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprops. The airline will also fly some Boeing 717-200 jets, whose livery was revealed in April 2021. However, the exact number of the 717s Ecuatoriana will operate is not yet known.
“We have planned to start operations with three Q400 aircraft. These are turboprops and perform excellently under the geographic conditions in Ecuador. The planes have a capacity for 75 passengers,” is written in Ecuatoriana Airlines statement.
Ecuatoriana Airlines currently is undergoing its Ecuadorian AOC obtainment process, which it hopes to complete by the end of September 2021.
