I have always noted 2018 as being the planned in service date. Looks like they will make that. The aircraft is partially funded by the Italian government and combined with private financing looks pretty solid. It's a big leap up from the Cessna 402 in terms of maintenance and should have a much lower cost per flight.
It will also be able to make the round trip from SJU to EIS and carry everyone's bags without refueling. Cape Air has the best 402 maintenance program in the industry and still knows the aircraft are rapidly becoming prohibitively expensive to maintain in a safe condition.
Aircraft in this size range generally don't rack up sales until they are available. The market is however large since there is no other decent aircraft available. The ability to burn mogas is also a big plus!
G