American Airlines to Purchase Minority Stake in Chilean Airline JetSMART

On Thursday, American Airlines announced its latest venture into the South American market, signing a letter of intent with Chilean ultra-low-cost carrier JetSMART to create the “broadest and most rewarding network in the Americas.”

In a statement, the Fort Worth, Tex.-based carrier revealed that it plans to purchase a minority ownership stake in JetSMART, as part of a partnership and codeshare agreement with the Indigo Partners-backed carrier. In addition, American Airlines and Indigo Partners – the group behind successful carriers like Frontier Airlines, Volaris and Wizz Air – can jointly supply the capital to facilitate further growth in South America for JetSMART.

American Airlines and JetSMART’s proposed connectivity route map through July 2022. (Photo: American Airlines)

Under the proposed codeshare agreement, subject to government approval, American Airlines can connect passengers through Buenos Aires and Santiago, from its hubs in Dallas, Miami or New York-JFK. Santiago-based JetSMART can connect passengers in Santiago to a number of Chilean cities and South American destinations. However, passengers in Buenos Aires are forced to transfer to Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Airport – a closer option to Buenos Aires than Ezeiza International Airport, where American Airlines operates – to access JetSMART’s growing Argentine network.

In its press release, American Airlines Chief Revenue Officer, Vasu Raja, states, “This proposed investment in JetSMART would give customers access to the largest network, lowest fares and best travel loyalty program in the Americas. This would enable JetSMART and American to grow aggressively and profitably across Latin America as demand recovers whilst preserving the best aspects of each carrier’s business model.”

While JetSMART does not currently offer a frequent flyer program, American Airlines frequent flyers can utilize and earn AAdvantage miles on JetSMART flights. Vasu Raja adds, “This partnership would also make AAdvantage the largest travel loyalty program in the Americas, creating more ways for customers to earn travel rewards and use their miles to access new destinations and elite benefits globally, no matter whether they earn in Latin or North America.”

Ever since Delta Airlines purchased a twenty percent stake in American Airlines’ former partner LATAM in 2019, the Fort Worth-based carrier lost a large gap in connectivity in South America, threatening its dominant position in the South American market. In order to replace the connectivity, American Airlines announced a codeshare in 2020 with one of Brazil’s largest airlines, GOL, to replace LATAM Brazil’s connectivity. Now, American Airlines is filling connectivity gaps in Chile and Argentina via JetSMART, with further connectivity available via JetSMART’s aspirations for a new subsidiary in Peru.

Currently, American Airlines operates flights to 16 cities in South America, surpassing the number served by either Delta Airlines or United Airlines fly to and making it the largest U.S. carrier in South America. With the two partnerships, American Airlines has roughly matched Delta Airlines’ and United Airlines’ codeshare connectivity in South America. United Airlines codeshares with Brazillian airline Azul, Panama-based carrier Copa Airlines and Colombia-based Avianca.

Right now JetSMART operates to 33 destinations throughout South America, primarily in Chile and Argentina. While GOL has a premium economy cabin, JetSMART has no premium cabin to service business travelers connecting onto the airline. It utilizes 20 Airbus A320-family aircraft, a mix of Airbus A320CEOs and Airbus A320NEOs, featuring a full economy-class layout in a 182-seat configuration. In the future, JetSMART will receive 79 Airbus A320-family aircraft, allowing for further growth in South America via increasing frequency on existing routes and launching new ones.

Estuardo Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer of JetSMART, said, “By connecting and growing our respective networks and maintaining our distinct business models, we see a compelling value proposition. When completed, this proposed partnership would accelerate JetSMART’s path to becoming the leading South American low-cost carrier while expanding service for American’s customers.”

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Winston Shek

Ever since Winston was a toddler, he has always had a fascination for airplanes.From watching widebodies land at Washington Dulles to traveling the world, Winston has always had his eyes towards the skies.Winston began aviation photography in 2018 and now posts his photos occasionally on his Instagram account.He previously wrote for a blog.In his free time, Winston loves to play chess, do recreational activities, and watch sports.Looking into the future, Winston plans to service the aviation industry.

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