Jetsmart Airlines announced that Stephen Johnson, vice president and chief strategy officer of American Airlines, has been appointed to its board of directors. The company, founded in 2016, is an ultra-low-cost airline with national operations in Chile, Argentina and Peru, and more than 70 routes across South America with services to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay, which has carried more than 25 million passengers, according to their data. Jetsmart has a new fleet of 32 Airbus A320 and A321 and aims to have 100 aircraft by 2028.

In Ecuador, Jetsmart Airlines announced that it will start flying on the Lima – Quito route from next March. There will be three weekly frequencies on this route. It will also include the Lima-Guayaquil route with three frequencies per week from April.

Jetsmart will fly in Ecuador from March 2024

Meanwhile, Estuardo Ortiz, the airline’s CEO, noted that Johnson brings more than 30 years of corporate leadership and board experience. “His broad business vision will be a key asset for our expansion plans in South America,” he noted. Johnson’s appointment is possible as Jetsmart Airlines and American Airlines launched their strategic alliance in 2023 by selling codeshare flights between the United States and Chile, starting to create a network of routes in the Americas and access to travel with benefits for customers of both airlines.

The alliance includes a wide network of codeshare routes, and in late 2024 will add access to American’s AAdvantage® loyalty program for Jetsmart customers. The alliance includes a minority investment by Americans in Jetsmart, which will contribute to the company’s development in South America. The partnership will allow Jetsmart to expand in Latin America.

As American’s vice president and chief strategy officer, Johnson leads business related to the design and development of airline-wide strategy, America’s focus on the economy and its impact on business, and corporate development. He also advises the US CEO and Board of Directors and collaborates with the senior management team on key market and competitive issues; corporate governance, social purpose and sustainability; policy development strategy, foreign affairs and industrial relations.

Smart regulations, rate cuts and policies that go beyond governments proposed by low-cost airline CEOs to improve the region’s competitiveness

“America’s alliance with Jetsmart opens up a world of opportunities for our customers to have access to America’s largest network, lowest fares and best travel rewards program,” said Johnson.

During Johnson’s first board meeting, held at Jetsmart’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile, Andrew Broderick, CEO of Indigo Partners, commented, “We are proud to have Steve on our board. “His experience and knowledge of the industry will be a great asset as we expand our partnership with Americana and work toward Jetsmart’s goal of connecting 100 million passengers in South America.”