Argentina’s Flybondi has taken a step toward establishing a second home market in South America as Paraguay’s aviation authority begins the process of authorizing the ULCC to operate as the country’s flag carrier.
DINAC, Paraguay’s civil aviation regulator, says it “celebrates the start of the process of enabling Flybondi to operate as Paraguay's flag carrier,” calling the development a strong signal of confidence in both the airline and Paraguay’s ambitions. “This step reflects the aviation sector's confidence in Paraguay and its potential as a strategic hub in South America,” the agency adds.
As part of the process, Flybondi plans to open an operational base in Paraguay that would support new international routes and strengthen connectivity from Asuncion and Encarnacion. The ULCC already serves Paraguay with flights to Cordoba and Buenos Aires Aeroparque from Asuncion and to Buenos Aires Ezeiza from Encarnacion.
The push to obtain an air operator certificate (AOC) in Paraguay comes after Flybondi this week became Latin America’s first Airbus A220 customer with orders for 15 A220-300s and options for five more, alongside commitments for 10 Boeing 737-10s and five options. Deliveries of the A220s will begin in 2027.
CEO Mauricio Sana said the fleet plan reflects the “strong commitment and support of our new American investor” COC Global Enterprise, which took over as lead shareholder in June.
Securing Paraguayan AOC authority would give Flybondi a second home market and potentially ease expansion into new cross-border sectors.
In Paraguay, the carrier is already the country’s second-largest airline with a 14% seat share in December, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data, behind LATAM Airlines Group at 22.7%. Air Europa ranks third at 13.5%.
The timing is also significant for Paraguay, which is seeking to restore FAA Category 1 status. DINAC says it remains committed to “building a competitive, safe and attractive aeronautical system for new investments.”
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