JetSMART Argentina Doubles Domestic Capacity and Becomes Second-Largest Airline in the Country
JetSMART Argentina has confirmed a major expansion of its domestic operations, managing to double its offered capacity in less than a year and solidifying its position as the country’s second-largest airline. The ultra-low-cost carrier now commands a 22% market share in available seats, surpassing Flybondi’s 16%, its closest competitor by segment and market share. The airline plans to continue growing in 2025 with the addition of more aircraft.
JetSMART currently operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft in Argentina, including the first three A321neo jets with 240 seats to be used in commercial service in the country. This marks a sharp increase from the eight aircraft it operated in early 2023. The company expects to end 2025 with 17 aircraft—a 112% increase in fleet size compared to January 2023. With an average fleet age of 3.1 years, JetSMART maintains one of the youngest fleets in South America.
JetSMART Founder and CEO Estuardo Ortiz stated that the company continues to “believe in and invest in Argentina. Having doubled our domestic market offering in less than a year, today we are the #2 airline in the country.” Ortiz also praised “the government’s progress in modernizing aviation regulations and stabilizing the currency market—key elements of growth that are making Argentina more competitive in South America.”
As part of this growth, JetSMART announced a new direct international route connecting Córdoba with Rio de Janeiro (Galeão). This move enhances federal connectivity by eliminating the need to route through Buenos Aires. It adds to JetSMART’s network of 17 active domestic routes, including interprovincial links such as Salta–Neuquén, Mendoza–Bariloche, and Mendoza–Salta, as well as new destinations like Trelew and Resistencia. Regionally, the airline already operates flights from Argentina to Chile, Peru, and Paraguay.
The airline’s total investment in Argentina now exceeds $750 million, covering assets, infrastructure, and fleet. This is reflected in a strong rise in passenger numbers: JetSMART carried 99% more passengers in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. “We’ve already invested more than $750 million and will continue expanding connectivity and employment in the country. For this, access to operational infrastructure at Aeroparque and efficient use of those assets is essential,” said Ortiz.
On the operational front, aviation analytics firm Cirium recognized JetSMART as Argentina’s most punctual airline in April 2025, with 87.5% of its flights arriving on time. The airline highlights this consistency month after month. Sources close to its operations point to high aircraft utilization—averaging 12.7 hours per day—and a streamlined staffing model per aircraft as key efficiency drivers.
Regarding the competitive landscape, Ortiz concluded that “it’s essential to ensure a level playing field for all airlines and to establish modern, efficient regulations that allow the sector to grow competitively, making full use of airport infrastructure—especially Aeroparque.” JetSMART hopes that new regulations, such as the option to operate aircraft with foreign registration under certain conditions and the standardization of crew rest periods, will foster a more dynamic and competitive market.
Comentarios
Para comentar, debés estar registrado
Por favor, iniciá sesión