JetSMART Airlines has officially announced its incorporation as a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This move marks a significant milestone in its consolidation as a leading regional aeronautical group in South America.
The membership represents more than just institutional recognition within the global industry. It provides a formal platform for the airline to participate in discussions regarding the sector’s primary challenges, offering its unique perspective as a fast-growing Ultra-Low Cost operator in the region.
Initial Scope: Chile, Argentina, and Peru
In this first phase, the membership covers JetSMART’s operations in Chile, Argentina, and Peru. Simultaneously, the Colombian subsidiary is advancing through the incorporation process, which is expected to conclude in the short term.
This progressive framework reflects the multinational structure that the company has established in South America and its commitment to integrating all operations under the standards and benchmarks promoted by IATA.
An Ultra-Low Cost Vision within the IATA Ecosystem
Estuardo Ortiz, CEO and Founder of JetSMART, highlighted the strategic value of this move, noting that the company will provide a distinct perspective within the member airline ecosystem. The leadership emphasized three core pillars of the JetSMART model:
- The most modern fleet in the region.
- An efficient cost structure.
- A strong focus on expanding regional connectivity.
From this foundation, the airline aims to contribute to a more robust future for South American aviation by blending its low-cost model with IATA’s global standards and processes.
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IOSA: Technical Foundation
Joining IATA follows another recent achievement: obtaining the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification. This audit verifies compliance with the world’s most demanding operational and safety standards.
The IOSA program recognizes that JetSMART’s operational model was designed from its inception under rigorous international standards. This includes:
- Manuals and processes aligned with global regulations.
- Continuously updated training programs.
- Periodic audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
Both milestones—IATA membership and IOSA certification—demonstrate the maturity of the company’s internal processes and an organizational culture focused on continuous improvement.
Safety, Interoperability, and Regional Efficiency
Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas, officially welcomed JetSMART, highlighting their shared commitment to safety and global best practices.
IATA represents the majority of global air traffic and promotes frameworks that facilitate interoperability between airlines, enabling higher levels of collaboration and operational efficiency. In this context, JetSMART’s integration strengthens a regional ecosystem that is increasingly diverse in its business models.
Active participation within IATA will allow the airline to contribute to structural issues such as:
- Regional connectivity.
- Operational efficiency.
- Sustainable development of aviation in South America.
With this admission, JetSMART solidifies a process started at its founding: operating under demanding international standards while expanding its regional footprint with an Ultra-Low Cost model.
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