JetSmart
Corporate brand
UnclaimedA Chilean ultra-low-cost carrier serving domestic and international South American routes.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
JetSmart, legally associated with JetSMART Airlines SpA and commonly styled as JetSMART, is a Chilean ultra-low-cost airline headquartered in Santiago. The carrier is controlled by Indigo Partners, the United States-based investment group associated with several low-cost airlines, including Frontier Airlines, Volaris and Wizz Air. JetSmart's principal operating base is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, while its wider group structure has included affiliated operations in Argentina and Peru. The airline's creation formed part of Indigo Partners' strategy of developing independent low-cost carriers in markets with substantial potential for lower-fare air travel. JetSmart applied for a Chilean air operator's certificate in January 2017 and received authorization in June of that year. Scheduled operations began on 25 July 2017 with a flight between Santiago and Calama. The initial network was domestic, but the airline subsequently expanded into international South American markets and sought additional traffic rights through local subsidiaries. JetSmart's operating model is based on the ultra-low-cost carrier approach: a standardized Airbus narrow-body fleet, high aircraft utilization, a limited core fare and additional charges or paid options for selected services. Its initial fleet consisted of three Airbus A320-200 aircraft. The company later introduced Airbus A320neo aircraft and ordered larger members of the A320 family, including the A321neo and A321XLR, to support network growth and improve seat capacity and range. The all-Airbus strategy is intended to simplify training, maintenance and fleet planning while allowing the airline to operate both short domestic sectors and longer international routes within South America. Argentina became a major part of JetSmart's regional development. JetSmart Argentina established a base at Buenos Aires' Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and was intended to provide access to Argentine traffic rights and additional routes. In December 2019, JetSmart acquired Norwegian Air Argentina, taking over its operations, employees and operating license with immediate effect. The transaction did not include Norwegian's Boeing 737 aircraft; JetSmart planned to replace that capacity with Airbus A320-family aircraft and integrate the acquired operation into JetSmart Argentina. The group continued its regional expansion in 2022, when JetSmart began domestic flights in Peru. It also explored entry into Colombia. In March 2023, JetSmart signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase Ultra Air and proceeded with work related to certifying JetSmart as an aircraft operator in Colombia. The proposed transaction and certification effort demonstrated the airline's interest in building a multi-country South American platform, although the available reference material does not establish that the transaction was completed. JetSmart has also developed links with American Airlines. In July 2021, American announced a minority investment in JetSmart and an arrangement under which members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program could earn miles on eligible JetSmart flights. The relationship provided a connection between JetSmart's low-cost network and American's loyalty ecosystem without changing JetSmart's basic independent ultra-low-cost positioning. JetSmart competes primarily with established South American airlines, including LATAM Chile and Sky Airline in Chile, while its expansion places it in competition with other low-cost and network carriers across the region. Its strategic proposition is to stimulate demand through low headline fares, broaden access to air travel and connect secondary cities as well as major hubs. The available material identifies the JetSmart Group as operating an all-Airbus A320-family fleet as of October 2025, but does not provide a verified detailed aircraft count or a current route total.
History
JetSmart was established in Chile under the control of Indigo Partners, an investment group specializing in low-cost aviation businesses. Its formation reflected a broader effort to introduce ultra-low-cost airline models into markets where air travel demand could be stimulated by lower fares and more extensive point-to-point service. The company applied for an air operator's certificate on 26 January 2017 and received authorization in June of the same year. Scheduled flying began on 25 July 2017, when JetSmart operated its first service from Santiago to Calama. The airline initially concentrated on Chilean domestic routes and began with three Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Its early strategy was to challenge larger incumbent carriers, including LATAM Chile and Sky Airline, by offering a lower basic fare and using a standardized fleet. The carrier planned rapid growth and sought to serve a broad range of domestic markets rather than limiting itself to the largest city pairs. Fleet expansion became central to the business plan. In December 2017, JetSmart ordered 56 Airbus A320neos and 14 Airbus A321neos. In June 2019, it added an order for 12 A321XLR aircraft, supporting a future network with longer-range routes. The first A320neo entered service in October 2019. In November 2021, JetSmart ordered an additional 22 A321neos and two A321XLRs and converted some earlier A320neo commitments into A321neo aircraft. It also arranged leases for six A320neos from BOC Aviation in July 2022, with deliveries planned for 2024. The first A321neo was delivered during the same month. Reference material indicates that the group expected to reach a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2027, although the available material does not independently confirm whether that target was achieved. JetSmart expanded beyond Chile by developing country-specific operations. Its Argentine subsidiary, JetSmart Argentina, was based at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires and was designed to provide access to local traffic rights. On 4 December 2019, JetSmart acquired Norwegian Air Argentina, including its operations, staff and license. The transaction was intended to be combined with JetSmart Argentina. Norwegian's Boeing 737 aircraft were not part of the deal, so JetSmart planned to replace that equipment with aircraft from the Airbus A320 family. The operation was associated with both Aeroparque and El Palomar during the transition described in the reference material. The airline's regional ambitions continued after the initial Chilean and Argentine expansion. On 16 June 2022, JetSmart began domestic operations in Peru, adding another national market to its operating platform. In Colombia, JetSmart signed a memorandum of understanding on 17 March 2023 to acquire Ultra Air and pursued the process of obtaining an aircraft operator certification. The available sources describe this as an announced transaction and regulatory process, not as a completed acquisition. JetSmart's corporate relationships also broadened in 2021. American Airlines announced a minority investment in the airline on 29 July 2021. The companies also agreed that American's AAdvantage members could earn miles when flying on JetSmart. This arrangement connected JetSmart's regional low-cost network with a major international loyalty program while preserving the carrier's separate brand and operating model. The group has been described as operating an all-Airbus A320-family fleet. This common fleet supports a low-cost structure through shared pilot training, maintenance practices and operational procedures, while the A321neo and A321XLR provide additional capacity and range. JetSmart's continuing identity is that of an ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Santiago, with Chile as its original market and Argentina, Peru and prospective Colombian operations forming part of its wider South American growth strategy.
- 2023
Ultra Air memorandum of understanding
[1]JetSmart signed an MoU to purchase Ultra Air and pursued Colombian operator certification.
- 2022
First domestic flights in Peru
[1]JetSmart commenced domestic Peruvian operations on 16 June.
- 2022
First Airbus A321neo delivery
[1]The first A321neo was delivered in July, supporting higher-capacity operations.
- 2021
American Airlines investment and loyalty agreement
[1]American Airlines announced a minority investment and an AAdvantage mileage-earning arrangement for JetSmart flights.
- 2019
A321XLR order
[1]The airline ordered 12 A321XLR aircraft in June.
- 2019
First Airbus A320neo enters the fleet
[1]JetSmart received its first A320neo in October.
- 2019
Norwegian Air Argentina acquisition
[1]JetSmart acquired Norwegian Air Argentina and planned to integrate it with JetSmart Argentina.
- 2017
Air operator certificate application
[1]JetSmart applied for a Chilean air operator's certificate on 26 January.
- 2017
Operating authorization received
[1]The airline received authorization to operate in June.
- 2017
Scheduled service begins
[1]JetSmart commenced scheduled operations on 25 July with service from Santiago to Calama.
Products and positioning
Ultra-low-cost airline focused on low base fares, Airbus fleet standardization, high aircraft utilization and expansion across South America.
Air transport · 2017
Domestic passenger flights
JetSmart's original service proposition is scheduled domestic air travel within Chile. The network began with Santiago-Calama service and was designed to connect major cities with regional destinations using an ultra-low-cost structure. Customers generally purchase a basic fare, with selected services and conveniences treated as optional additions.
Air transport
International South American flights
The airline expanded from Chilean domestic routes into international South American markets. Its regional model relies on Airbus A320-family aircraft and country-specific operating structures, including JetSmart Argentina and JetSmart Peru, to access local markets and traffic rights.
Airline subsidiary
JetSmart Argentina
JetSmart Argentina is the group's Argentine operating subsidiary, based at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. It was established to support operations in Argentina and to provide access to Argentine traffic rights. JetSmart also acquired Norwegian Air Argentina in 2019 with the intention of integrating its operations into the Argentine business.
Airline subsidiary · 2022
JetSmart Peru
JetSmart's Peruvian operation represents its expansion into another national aviation market. Domestic flights in Peru began on 16 June 2022, extending the airline group's multi-country South American platform.
Aircraft platform · 2017
Airbus A320-family fleet
JetSmart uses an all-Airbus A320-family fleet, including A320-200, A320neo and A321neo aircraft, with A321XLR aircraft ordered. The standardized fleet supports the airline's low-cost model, while larger and longer-range variants provide additional capacity and network flexibility.
Brand decisions
2023
Pursue Ultra Air acquisition and Colombian certificationM&ABackground
JetSmart sought entry into Colombia and an additional platform for regional expansion.
Action taken
On 17 March 2023, JetSmart signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase Ultra Air and proceeded with certification work for JetSmart as a Colombian aircraft operator.
Aftermath
The reference material does not establish that the proposed acquisition was completed.
2022
Expand into PeruStrategyBackground
JetSmart sought to develop a multi-country South American network rather than remain focused only on Chile and Argentina.
Action taken
The airline commenced domestic operations in Peru on 16 June 2022.
Aftermath
Peru became a further national market for the JetSmart group.
2021
Accept minority investment from American AirlinesM&ABackground
JetSmart was expanding its regional platform while American Airlines was seeking commercial links with low-cost carriers in the Americas.
Action taken
American Airlines announced a minority investment in JetSmart and agreed to let AAdvantage members earn miles on JetSmart flights.
Aftermath
The arrangement added a loyalty-program connection and commercial relationship while leaving JetSmart as a separately branded ultra-low-cost carrier.
2019
Acquire Norwegian Air ArgentinaM&ABackground
JetSmart sought to strengthen its Argentine presence and obtain operating assets and local market access.
Action taken
On 4 December 2019, JetSmart acquired Norwegian Air Argentina's operations, employees and license. Norwegian's Boeing 737 aircraft were excluded.
Aftermath
JetSmart planned to integrate the business with JetSmart Argentina and replace the acquired Boeing aircraft with Airbus A320-family aircraft.
2017
Adopt an ultra-low-cost, standardized-fleet modelStrategyBackground
JetSmart entered Chile as a new carrier seeking to stimulate demand and compete with established airlines through low base fares and a simple operating structure.
Action taken
The airline launched with Airbus A320 aircraft and built its growth plan around a common A320-family fleet.
Aftermath
The strategy supported subsequent domestic growth and expansion into Argentina, Peru and prospective Colombian operations.
- LATAM Chile — JetSmart's entry positioned it to challenge LATAM Chile on routes where the two airlines overlapped; no specific public reaction is provided in the reference material.
- Sky Airline — JetSmart also positioned itself against Sky Airline in Chile; no specific public reaction is provided in the reference material.
2017
Launch scheduled passenger serviceProduct launchBackground
After obtaining operating authorization in Chile, JetSmart needed to establish an initial route network.
Action taken
The airline began scheduled service between Santiago and Calama on 25 July 2017.
Aftermath
The route marked JetSmart's entry into commercial aviation and preceded broader domestic expansion.
Recent events
Reported
JetSMART announces planned cargo operations[3]
JetSMART stated that it was entering cargo operations. Its CEO said the airline had delivered manuals and requirements to Chile's DGAC on July 23 and hoped to offer cargo services soon; the article does not report that the services had begun.
Sources3 sources
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