The CEO and founder of JetSMART, Estuardo Ortiz, has been distinguished with the Airline Strategy Awards in the Executive Leadership category for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Presented by FlightGlobal magazine, in alliance with Airline Business and Korn Ferry, the Airline Strategy Awards honor excellence and innovation in the aviation industry. The focus is on those airlines and leaders who have demonstrated outstanding performance and a well-consolidated strategy in their operations.
Acknowledgement of exceptional leadership
Prior to the seventh anniversary of JetSMART, and after a rigorous nomination and selection process by an independent panel of experts, Ortiz has been highlighted for his executive leadership. His role has been crucial in fostering the growth and success of the airline in the region. This recognition is awarded to leaders in each of the five global regions. This year’s winners were Singapore Airlines in Asia Pacific, Alaska Airlines in North America, Pegasus in Europe, and Airlink in the Middle East and Africa.
Lewis Harper, editor of Airline Business, noted that the awards jury was struck by how JetSMART is emerging as the leading low-cost airline in Latin America.
Challenges and achievements
«Despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, just as the airline was starting to grow after its start in 2017, Ortiz ensured that JetSMART emerged strengthened, with expansion plans into new markets. It has managed to become a leading force in South America, which is an accomplishment given the region and the regulatory and operational challenges for an emerging airline,» Harper said.
Ortiz, on the matter, stated that receiving this award is an honor, and he thanked his team and the 20 million customers who have trusted them. He also highlighted the company’s rapid growth and optimism for the future.
JetSMART currently operates more than 70 routes in South America, including 13 international ones, connecting seven countries: Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It has a fleet of 25 aircraft, composed of 20 Airbus A320s and 5 A321neos, which has allowed them to transport over 20 million passengers to date.
The company projects that by 2028 it will have transported 100 million passengers with a fleet that will by then exceed 100 aircraft.
