JetSMART has announced the launch of a new direct air route between Mendoza (MDZ) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG), set to begin operations on May 9. This makes JetSMART the only airline offering a nonstop connection between the two cities.
According to the ultra-low-cost carrier, tickets are already available on its website at a starting fare of ARS 213,300 per leg, including taxes and fees. The route will operate twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays, using Airbus A320NEO aircraft configured for 186 passengers, providing a weekly capacity of 744 seats.
"We know that tourism is a key driver of the local economy, and Mendoza is an attractive destination for international visitors, including those from Brazil. With this new route, we aim to strengthen the connection between both destinations and support the growth of the tourism sector," said Gonzalo Perez Corral, JetSMART’s Country Manager in Argentina.
He also highlighted the airline's collaboration with provincial authorities and Aeropuertos Argentina, the airport concessionaire, to enhance infrastructure and promote new connectivity opportunities.
"We strive to offer more travel options for Mendoza residents and improve access to strategic destinations across the region," he added.
Expanding Air Connectivity in Mendoza
JetSMART currently operates three routes from Mendoza: Buenos Aires, Salta, and Santiago de Chile. With the addition of the Rio de Janeiro flight, the airline will now serve four regular destinations, not including its seasonal service to San Carlos de Bariloche.
This expansion aligns with JetSMART’s growth strategy in Argentina, supported by the addition of seven new aircraft starting in October 2024. Among them are Airbus A321 planes with a 240-passenger capacity, which will allow the airline to increase its domestic seat availability by 86% and international capacity by 13% by the end of March, compared to the same period last year.
Increasing Connections Between Mendoza and Brazil
With this new service, Rio de Janeiro joins the list of Brazilian destinations with direct flights from Mendoza. In previous years, Aerolíneas Argentinas operated the route on a seasonal basis during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 summer seasons, while GOL offered flights between the two cities in 2017 and 2018. Now, JetSMART will provide year-round service.
Other direct flights connecting Mendoza to Brazil include:
- Campinas/Viracopos (Azul) – 3 weekly flights (June 17 - August 24) on A320neo.
- Rio de Janeiro (JetSMART) – 2 weekly flights starting May 9 on A320neo.
- São Paulo/Guarulhos (GOL) – 4 weekly flights, increasing to 6 between July and August on Boeing 737 MAX 8.
- São Paulo/Guarulhos (LATAM) – 4 weekly flights on Airbus A320.
Beyond Brazil, Mendoza also maintains international connections to:
- Panama/Tocumen (Copa Airlines)
- Lima (LATAM)
- Santiago de Chile (LATAM, JetSMART, SKY Airline)
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