On Monday, April 3, JetSMART starts operating the Santiago – São Paulo (GRU) route.
With an initial frequency of five weekly flights with an increase to daily between July and September, the new route closes the stage of recovery of services with Brazil after the ineffective restrictions placed by the Chilean Government in March 2020.
After an adjustment in the operation, the operation in Brazil increased compared to the period before 2020.
There is a modification in destinations: in the absence of the recovery of Salvador in Bahia, Rio de Janeiro (GIG) is added, in addition to Foz do Iguaçu and São Paulo (GRU).
Except for Foz do Iguaçu, all routes report an increase in frequencies.
The main route is Santiago – Rio de Janeiro (GIG), with one daily flight.
According to data from Chile’s Civil Aeronautical Board (JAC), it transported 16,951 passengers in both directions between January and February.
The Santiago – Foz do Iguaçu route transported 5,635 passengers in the same period.
São Paulo (GRU) should expect a positive result due to the traffic between both countries and the absence of an operator.
It should be recalled that unlike the previous period (before March 2020), GOL is not operating in Chile.
The Brazilian airline is not considering returning to the country, favoring its international operations in Argentina, Uruguay, the Caribbean, and the United States.
In the first two months of the year, JetSMART closed a movement of 22,586 passengers in the routes it operates in Brazil.
For now, it is impossible to establish a comparison by the number of people transported on the routes and time of operation.
However, regarding the number of frequencies, there is evidence of growth.
CONTRIBUTION FROM ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY
Unlike the previous period, JetSMART’s growth in Brazil is also due to an important contribution from Argentina and Uruguay.
The operation from these countries is part of the airline’s continental project.
It operates from Buenos Aires (EZE) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG).
From Uruguay, the triangular route Santiago – Montevideo – Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and vice versa has been served since March 28.
The operation through Uruguay results from optimizing the operation, taking advantage of Open Skies.
The freedom of the air allows for operational efficiency with greater use of the fleet, the development of new routes, and more travel alternatives for passengers.
FUTURE PROJECTION
Based on the size of the Brazilian market, JetSMART is projecting strong growth in that country.
The routes currently in operation and those it plans to develop are not only part of its international expansion but also lay the foundations for the future subsidiary in that country.
It should be recalled that the plan considers that after the establishment of the Colombia subsidiary and there is the option of opening operations in Brazil.
“Brazil is a strategic market for us since it is a territory of continental dimensions that will allow us to connect different Brazilian cities with other Latin American countries in direct flights offered with an innovative model that allows our passengers to pay only for what they use,” says Victor Mejia, CCO of JetSMART at the World Travel Market tourism fair held recently in São Paulo.
With three cities in operation, Indigo Partners’ ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) can build its network from other base cities such as Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE) and Lima.
The Buenos Aires (EZE) – Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and Montevideo – Rio de Janeiro (GIG) routes are clear examples of future operations.
Argentina is one of Brazil’s main tourist destinations in all seasons.
Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that this subsidiary will play a major role in the expansion of that country.
There are also opportunities in Peru and Colombia.
“We believe that Brazil offers many opportunities,” says Estuardo Ortiz, CEO of JetSMART.
With information from aero-naves
Read More from The Rio Times