Asuncion-based start-up Regional Paraguaya has reaffirmed that it is preparing its first scheduled flight for 2 November.
A local press briefing was held after the arrival of a white-tail Boeing 737-200 to Asuncion International airport. It is the first aircraft of the new carrier's fleet.
Regional Paraguay's main shareholder, Ricardo Salvador Sturno, told Asuncion's principal daily newspaper ABC that the 737 was the "first of five aircraft already belonging to the airline".
According to Sturno, during an initial phase, the company will cover routes within the Mercosur region, with Buenos Aires as the launch destination.
During a second phase, scheduled for next February, Sturno plans to launch flights to the USA, Central America and Europe.
Paraguay is currently classified by the FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment programme as Category 2 - non-compliant with ICAO safety oversight rules - meaning that the carrier could not operate the flights on its own.
Sturno estimates the overall investment at $12 million.
He has been at the centre of several public controversies after he acquired - and immediately close down - regional carrier TAN, triggering protests from the regional government and unions.
Sturno also failed to launch Aero Regional Argentinean, a Boeing 727 operator, despite several announcements. He could not immediately be reached for comment.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
