JetSmart Launches Domestic Low-Cost Airline Operations In Colombia, Names Medellín As Operations Hub

Chilean Low-Cost Airline JetSmart launched domestic passenger operations of its Colombian subsidiary JetSmart Colombia last Thursday morning with an 11am flight between Bogotá and Medellín. The same day saw inaugural flights from Medellín to Bogotá and also Medellín to Cartagena. The airline, backed in part by American Airlines and private equity firm Indigo Partners, seeks to bring a low-cost option back to Colombia’s growing aviation market after the demise of low-cost carriers Viva and Ultra just over a year ago. Copa-owned Wingo operates low-cost routes in Colombia, but with a conservative footprint.

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In addition to JetSmart’s domestic operations, starting with three Airbus A320neo aircraft, the airline has already been flying international routes between Medellín, Lima Peru, and Santiago, Chile.

Travelers will be able to take advantage of exclusive discounts on domestic routes with tickets starting at $47,800 Colombian pesos (including fees and taxes) or about $13 US Dollars.

Jetsmart also announced Thursday that the airline’s Colombian base of operations will be at the José María Córdova International Airport in Rionegro, Colombia; a suburb of Medellín.  CEO Estuardo Ortíz (above photo, left) credited the work of the mayoral administrations of Medellín, Rionegro, the Governor of Antioquia, and Airport operations contractor Airplan.

“We believe, trust and invest in Colombia, and especially today we are committed to the region of Antioquia and its more than six and a half million inhabitants, to contribute to tourism, development and connectivity of all communities, just as we have already done with the 25 million people who have already flown with us throughout South America. We want the region to go out into the world, and for Antioquia, Medellín and the region to connect from the airport in Rionegro to more destinations and frequencies, both domestic and international. Our new operation in Colombia is an important step in our vision of 100 million passengers and 100 aircraft by 2028,” said Ortíz.

JetSmart launched a total of eight direct routes from Medellín to Santa Marta, Cartagena and Bogotá; and from Bogota, to Cartagena, Pereira, Santa Marta and Medellín, as well as from Cartagena to Pereira and Cali. These domestic routes are in addition to the seven international routes that JetSmart flies from Medellín to Chile and Peru, with connections to Argentina and Uruguay. Codeshare agreements will provide connectivity north to the United States through American Airlines, and JetSmart has announced coming participation to American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program.

JetSmart is part of the airline portfolio of U.S. investment fund Indigo Partners, along with airlines Frontier in the United States, WizzAir in Europe, Volaris in Mexico and Cebu Pacific in Asia.

Indigo Partners Principal Brian Franke (above photo, right) said that “We are looking forward to the start of JetSMART’s domestic operations in Colombia and continue to invest in the region to develop the ultra-low-cost model. We see tremendous growth potential in Colombia, and as we expand JetSmart we continue to provide affordable air travel to more people and communities.”

Operating Out Of Terminal 2 In Bogotá

Thursday morning, JetSmart celebrated its Colombian domestic launch with a press conference in the Puente Aereo, or Terminal 2 of Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport. Bogotá airport operator OPAIN renovated parts of Terminal 2 with new chairs and seating areas, installing Veripax technology for digital reading of boarding passes, and an exclusive area for VIP and official travelers. They also expanded the gate areas, remodeled the bathrooms, installed new floors and charging areas.

“We celebrate the start of JetSMART’s domestic operations in the country, as this strengthens the sector and boosts El Dorado’s position as the main hub for connection to the regions of Colombia. We have adapted Terminal 2 – the former Air Bridge, so that travelers can take their domestic flights in a more comfortable and agile way,”  said Natalí Leal, General Manager of OPAIN.

It is important that domestic passengers flying JetSmart from Bogotá keep in mind that flights leave from Terminal 2, while international flights still arrive and depart from the main terminal. There is a free shuttle that travels between the two airport terminals. Travelers must allow adequate time for transfers, and if necessary, immigration for international flights. Passengers arriving to El Dorado International Airport for domestic JetSmart flights should be explicit with transportation providers that they will be departing from Terminal 2 or “El Puente Aereo.”