Uruguay’s BQB Líneas Aéreas pursues rapid expansion, emerging as successor to Pluna

BQB Líneas Aéreas has accelerated expansion, positioning it as Uruguay's new flag carrier 18 months after the demise of Pluna.

BQB began pursuing expansion in late 2013 with four new routes, its first jet (a wet-leased A320) and a fourth ATR 72 turboprop. The carrier is planning further expansion in 2014, including the acquisition of a fifth ATR 72 and up to three A319s while the wet-leased A320 will be returned.

BQB should be large enough by the end of 2014 to render the proposed re-launch of Pluna or the establishment of another new Uruguayan carrier unnecessary. Uruguay is a small market and BQB is already about one third the size of Pluna, which had operated a fleet of 13 CRJ900s.