JetSmart is accelerating its expansion in Argentina by basing three Airbus A321neos in the country, a move that will significantly increase its capacity and allow for the addition of new domestic and international routes.
The Chilean ULCC plans to have added three of the 240-seaters to its Argentinian operation by March, which will help to boost domestic seat capacity by 86% and international capacity by 13% during the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Backed by Indigo Partners, JetSmart has steadily grown its presence in Argentina since launching operations there in 2019. The introduction of the three A321neos will increase JetSmart’s fleet in the country to 15 aircraft and make it the first carrier in Argentina to operate the largest member of Airbus’ latest-generation narrowbody family.
The expansion comes as Argentinian President Javier Milei pushes for sweeping liberalization of the aviation sector, including the proposed privatization of state-owned Aerolíneas Argentinas and the deregulation of domestic airfares. His administration has also signed several new open skies agreements in recent months, including with the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Mexico and Turkey.
Speaking at Routes Americas 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas, JetSmart executive Victor Mejía welcomed the regulatory changes. “This is something we have been waiting for,” the chief commercial officer said. “Argentina is a real focus for growth for us right now.”
JetSmart is using its expanded fleet to capitalize on growing demand for low-cost air travel in Argentina, where it competes against Aerolíneas Argentinas and Flybondi. According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, the carrier has increased its capacity share on domestic routes to 17.8% during Q1 of 2025, up from 10.5% a year ago. Similarly, its capacity share on international routes has risen from 4.2% to 6.5% over the same time period.
In April, the ULCC intends to further expand its network within Argentina by adding new domestic routes from Buenos Aires Aeroparque to Resistencia and Trelew, while also increasing international frequencies to Asunción, Paraguay, with a fifth weekly flight…
