DEFUNCT - Equair suspends operations

On 30 September 2023, Equair has decided to suspend all operations after not being able to run profitable operations. The airline launched its flights in early 2022 out of its base in Quito and only served domestic destinations.

The fleet consisted of three Boeing B737-700s, which are now parked at Quito awaiting their fate. Around 200 co-workers have lost their job with the demist of Equair.

Photo by Equair.

 

The Ecuadorian EQUAIR has officially shown off its first Boeing 737-700.

EQUAIR received its first aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 Next-Generation. The plane, registration HC-CXB

Before EQUAIR, the aircraft had only operated with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines between 2011 and 2021.

The airline will connect Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador’s two main cities

Quito - Mariscal Sucre / Tababela (UIO / SEQM) Ecuador
Diogo Da Conceição

Two Ecuador start-ups prepare for launch

The domestic market in Ecuador is sudden becoming crowded as two start-ups are preparing for launch. One that we already reported on, Ecuatoriana, has dropped its plans to operate the B717 and has signed an agreement with ACC Aviation to acquire three DHC-8-400s. The Letter of Intent was signed during last week's Dubai Air Show and will be finalized once the three aircraft have been inspected by the airline. With the three DHCs, Ecuatoriana plans to launch its domestic flights out of Quito in April 2022.

Another announced start-up is Equair, which is a start-up from the former owner of Aerogal. This new airline is planning to launch domestic flights out of Quito in December with two B737-700s.

Ecuador was without its own airline when Avianca withdrew from the market once it entered bankruptcy protection due to the Corona-pandemic. The withdrawal created the opportunity for others to step in.
Scramble
Illustration by Equair.