American Airlines has a new codeshare partner to help it reach more cities in Latin America, and it’s an unusual one: an up-and-coming ultra-low-cost carrier, JetSmart.
The linkup gives American strong connections along western South America, primarily Argentina and Chile, although, of course, with no premium-class seats, which makes it unusual for an alliance involving a mainline carrier. JetSmart is owned by Indigo Partners, also owners of Frontier Airlines, Wizz Air in Europe, Volaris in Mexico and a few more. American is also
The move may bring sizable benefits to American, which lost its previous big Latin connection LATAM when Delta bought a big stake in the airline and pulled it out of its AA deal and out of Oneworld. American also has a codeshare alliance with Brazil’s GOL Airways.
In the deal with JetSmart, American will buy a minority stake in the airline, JetSmart will invest additional capital to expand, and, good news for those who like to take AAdvantage of opportunities, frequent fliers will be able to earn and spend AA miles on JetSmart
