American Jet Eyes Patagonia Hub Launch
American Jet (Argentina) is charting new territory in the regional aviation landscape by signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Santa Cruz, a province in Argentina’s breathtaking Patagonian region. The agreement outlines plans to establish a hub from which the carrier will launch both domestic and international scheduled operations. This ambitious project, set to span three years, aims for commercial flights to begin in April or May 2025, marking a pivotal transition for the charter airline into the scheduled passenger market.
While full details of the project remain under wraps, industry insiders believe that American Jet will likely base its new hub at Rio Gallegos. This strategic location offers critical connectivity to the vast and scenic expanses of Patagonia, positioning the airline to serve a wide range of destinations. On the domestic front, the new hub will potentially allow American Jet to connect cities such as El Calafate, Ushuaia, Rio Grande Hermes Quijada, Neuquén, Puerto Madryn, San Julián, and Puerto Deseado. These routes are expected to bolster regional tourism and provide convenient travel options for residents of Patagonia and neighboring regions.
On the international side, the carrier has signaled plans to tap into growing cross-border travel demand. There is potential for launching a route from El Calafate to Santiago de Chile, with a possible stop in San Carlos de Bariloche. In addition, American Jet may initiate scheduled services from Río Gallegos to Punta Arenas International. Such routes would not only enhance connectivity within South America but also further integrate Argentina’s remote regions with key international markets.
American Jet first announced its intention to move into the scheduled passenger market last October. The carrier has outlined plans to acquire up to nine new aircraft in the 50-to-100-seat range to operate these regional scheduled routes. This planned fleet expansion underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing its service offering and meeting increasing regional demand for more efficient air travel options.
Currently, American Jet operates a modest but diverse fleet. According to data from ch-aviation, the airline’s fleet includes five aircraft, comprising one ATR42-320, one ATR42-600, one Do228-200, and two Embraer E145s. In addition to these, the carrier has one Beech 1900D, one Learjet 60XR, one Learjet 31A (ER), and one Bell Helicopter 429. While these aircraft primarily serve charter operations, the transition into scheduled services will likely necessitate a strategic and targeted fleet update focused on regional jets optimized for efficiency and connectivity.
The decision to establish a hub in Santa Cruz and expand into scheduled operations reflects American Jet’s broader strategic ambitions. By moving into the scheduled passenger market, the airline aims to capture new revenue streams and create a vital link between remote Patagonian communities and major domestic and international destinations. The new hub is expected to stimulate both tourism and commerce throughout the region, bolstering the local economy and opening fresh avenues for growth.
As American Jet prepares for this transformative phase, its move is generating significant interest among industry stakeholders and travelers alike. With operations slated to begin in mid-2025, the airline is poised to reshape regional connectivity in Patagonia and redefine air travel for remote communities in Argentina.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com