JetSMART, the renowned ultra-low-cost South American airline, started official operations this March 6 from Quito to Lima, Peru, allowing it to connect to two other cities, Cusco and Arequipa.
This takeoff marks a significant expansion of the company in the region, being present in 8 countries, seeking to strengthen air connections in South America.
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JetSMART had 98% passenger occupancy on its inaugural flight to Lima, marking its commitment to provide affordable and accessible travel options for Ecuadorian passengers. The routes to Ecuador go from Quito/Guayaquil to Lima and Quito/Guayaquil with a connection in Lima to Cusco and Arequipa. These routes were carefully selected to promote cultural integration between both countries. The objective is not only to unite destinations but also to encourage the exchange of customs and enrich the travel experience of passengers, highlighting the unique characteristics of each place.
During the event, Niels Olsen, Minister of Tourism, said, “We are committed to strengthening the airline sector through various initiatives, which include the reduction of ISD for international airlines and the signing of open skies agreements with several countries. Likewise, in the Urgent Law to Promote Tourism Activities, we have proposed benefits such as a progressive reduction of the 5% surcharge on the cost of air fuel. This approach underlines our priority in supporting tourism and aviation industries, further promoting air connectivity. We warmly welcome JetSMART to the Ecuadorian skies and wish them great success in their operation.”
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Benjamín Dulanto, Commercial Manager of JetSMART Peru, expressed the expectations of starting with this first flight: “For JetSMART, it is essential to promote air connectivity in the region, which enhances bilateral tourism. With fares starting at $25.00 per section plus taxes, JetSMART establishes itself as one of Ecuador’s main low-cost airline alternatives, offering passengers the freedom to pay only for the services they need. This flight marks the beginning of a series of more than 312 flights that we plan to operate during our
first year in Ecuador, consolidating our commitment to expansion and accessibility in the Ecuadorian air market.”
For his part, Ramón Miró, president and CEO of Quiport, said, “I appreciate and thank you for the effort and dedication of the entire JetSMART and Quiport teams to make this achievement possible. Air connectivity plays a crucial role in developing our cities, and its contribution to strengthening these relationships is invaluable. I wish the airline much success in all its current and future operations, particularly this route we are inaugurating today. I hope this collaboration is productive and benefits both communities.”
Likewise, Gustavo García Benavides, Peru’s Economic and Commercial Advisor in Ecuador, assured that “Ecuador is the third largest source market for international tourists to Peru. Thanks to the start of new air operations to Peru with JetSMART, connectivity will be strengthened, opening greater opportunities for commercial and cultural exchange between our nations. “In this way, the positioning of both countries in the region will be enhanced, generating greater demand in long-haul markets thanks to distinctive elements such as Peruvian products and experiences that include its famous gastronomy.”
JetSMART, recognised as the ultra-low-cost airline with the largest fleet in South America, is also distinguished by its commitment to biodiversity, represented in the distinctive animals that adorn the tails of its planes. Recently, the company was awarded the “World’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award” at the “ch-aviation World’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards”, highlighting its fleet of aircraft with an average age of just 3.05 years, which makes it the fifth newest in the world.
