The top aviation authorities from Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have signed a memorandum of understanding that lays the groundwork for liberalizing the regional airspace, allowing for more flights, greater connectivity, and reduced costs. The agreement, called ALAS (South American Air Liberalization Agreement for the Development of the South American Single Sky), was signed at the Government Palace in Asunción.
The president of Paraguay's National Directorate of Civil Aviation (Dinac), Nelson Mendoza, described the moment as historic and emphasized that the goal is to consolidate a more competitive and efficient air market, without losing sight of each country's sovereignty and laws. The agreement introduces an open skies system and expands traffic rights up to the seventh freedom of the air for passengers and cargo.
Brazil's Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Barros Monteiro da Franca, gave a practical example: a Paraguayan airline, such as Paranair, could operate direct international flights between cities in other signatory countries, like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, without the route needing to start or end in Paraguay. The medium-term goal is to achieve the ninth freedom, which would even allow a foreign airline to operate domestic flights within another country.
Argentina's Undersecretary of Air Transport, Hernán Gómez, stated that Asunción has ideal conditions to become a flight distribution hub in the region, due to its strategic location between major South American capitals. He emphasized that the memorandum is the regulatory foundation for this to materialize over time.
The involved authorities made it clear there is no intention to create a bureaucratic superstructure. Instead, an executive working group will be formed, which will have Paraguayan leadership through Dinac. The agreement is seen as a boost for tourism and the economy, with expectations of more flights, frequencies, destinations, and more affordable fares.