JetSMART’s Bold Plan: 100 Aircraft by 2029
Fast-growing Latin American ultra-low-cost carrier JetSMART is gearing up for a massive fleet expansion, as it anticipates adding more than 50 new aircraft to its all-Airbus narrowbody fleet over the next six years. This ambitious move is expected to boost the airline’s fleet size from 44 to 100 aircraft by 2029, further solidifying its position as a key player in the region’s aviation market.
At the Routes Americas 2025 conference in Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas, Chief Commercial Officer Victor Mejia outlined the carrier’s bold growth strategy. Mejia explained that the additional aircraft—comprising both A321neos and the long-range A321XLRs—will come from a large order initially placed by Indigo Partners in 2021. This order, signed at the Dubai Airshow in 2021, was a joint agreement that allocated a mix of 255 additional A321neo-family aircraft and A321XLRs across several ultra-low-cost carriers within Indigo Partners’ portfolio.
For JetSMART specifically, the Indigo Partners order allocated an extra 21 A321neos and two A321XLRs. Additionally, some of the A320neos originally ordered for JetSMART have been converted to A321neos, further boosting the carrier’s capacity and efficiency. The remaining aircraft from the order are designated for other ULCCs within Indigo’s portfolio, including U.S.-based Frontier, Mexico-based Volaris, and Hungary-based Wizz Air. This strategic distribution underscores Indigo Partners’ commitment to revolutionizing air travel by empowering its partner airlines with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.
Headquartered in Chile and launched in 2017, JetSMART has rapidly expanded its operations throughout South America. The airline currently operates with subsidiary carriers holding air operator certificates in Argentina, Colombia, and Peru, which has allowed it to tap into emerging markets and serve previously underserved regions. “We see ourselves getting to 100 million passengers by 2028,” said Mejia, noting that the airline has already carried 55 million people, including 10.6 million in 2024 alone, across eight countries.
The rollout of the new Airbus narrowbodies is not without challenges, however. Mejia emphasized that JetSMART is working “very close” with Airbus regarding the delivery schedule of the new Neos. “We have to be close to [engine supplier] Pratt & Whitney and Airbus because of the Pratt & Whitney situation, but it’s not a dramatic situation. It won’t affect our growth plan, but things change from one year to another. There are challenges, but we are actively taking care of it,” he explained. Despite the occasional supply chain hurdles and engine availability concerns, the carrier remains confident in its ability to stick to its aggressive expansion timeline.
JetSMART’s growth strategy is aimed at not only increasing capacity but also at enhancing air connectivity across South America. The airline’s expansion plans are expected to bring more affordable travel options to millions of people who previously had limited access to air services. With its modern, fuel-efficient Airbus fleet, JetSMART is well-positioned to capture new market segments and drive economic growth throughout the region.
As JetSMART continues to scale its operations, industry experts are watching closely to see how the carrier’s expansion will reshape the competitive landscape of Latin American aviation. With a clear vision and strong backing from Indigo Partners, JetSMART’s journey to 100 aircraft by 2029 appears set to redefine regional air travel for years to come.
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