JetSMART Adds to Argentina Fleet as Milei Opens Up the Skies

Chile’s JetSMART Airlines SpA is increasing its fleet of planes in Argentina as President Javier Milei seeks to deregulate the aviation industry and dismantle the flagship airline’s dominance in the domestic market. The low-cost carrier, backed by Bill Franke’s Indigo Partners LLC and American Airlines Group Inc., has invested at least $160m in Argentina this year, including adding two more planes to its fleet operating domestic routes, CEO Estuardo Ortiz said in an interview. In total, JetSMART has 10 of its 41 planes operating in Argentina. Ortiz praised Milei for revamping an industry fraught with labor strikes and high operating costs that often result in losses on the bottom line. But the executive made clear JetSMART isn’t interested in buying state-owned Aerolineas Argentinas SA, which Milei is trying to privatize. Instead, Ortiz expects JetSMART to increase its offering of flights and seats during the South American summer. “Our secret is keeping the business simple and staying focused on our airline. M&A doesn’t involve those goals,” Ortiz said. “The government has taken the correct approach. It is a market that has been badly distorted for many years.”<br/>