JetSmart receives approval to start certification as a domestic airline in Colombia

The Civil Aeronautics of Colombia announced that it approved the request submitted by JetSmart to start the process that allows the airline to obtain the permit for the domestic operation of passenger, mail and cargo transportation in the South American country.

According to the approved request, the airline would have its main base in the Colombian capital and would use Airbus A320-271 NEO type aircraft to cover 27 national routes between the airports of Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga, San Andrés, Pereira, Montería, Cúcuta, Pasto and Pereira.

“Taking into account the proposed frequencies for the 27 requested routes, the company must submit a compliance plan based on the number of aircraft and the number of routes that will operate.”, said a statement from the Civil Aeronautics issued on Tuesday night.

The authorization only constitutes a go-ahead to continue with the process that seeks to obtain the operating permit and is subject to compliance with the legal requirements.

JetSmart announced in February its intention to buy 100% of Colombian Viva Air, which suspended operations a week ago amid a financial crisis.

To start operations, the company must obtain certification within a non-extendable term of two years.

JetSmart said in a statement that it will immediately start the certification process to meet all the requirements in the shortest possible time.

The low-cost airline, which already serves more than 79 routes in South America, is part of the airline portfolio of the private investment fund Indigo Partners, of which Wizz Air in Europe is a part; You will fly in Mexico; Lynx in Canada; CebuPacific in Asia and Frontier Airlines in the United States.