Avolon Delivers 50th Airbus A321neo to JetSMART with Biodiversity Livery

Avolon Delivers 50th Aircraft to JetSMART Featuring Special “Biodiversity” Livery

Global aviation finance company Avolon has officially announced the delivery of an Airbus A321neo to the South American ultra-low-cost carrier JetSMART. Announced on December 8, 2025, this handover marks a pivotal moment for the airline as it welcomes the 50th aircraft into its growing fleet. The delivery completes a four-Commercial-Aircraft lease agreement between the Dublin-based lessor and the Airlines.

The aircraft, registered as CC-DIY, is distinguished by a unique “Biodiversity in the Air” livery, designed to celebrate South American wildlife. This delivery supports JetSMART’s aggressive strategic roadmap, which aims to double its fleet size and passenger volume within the next three years.

Celebrating the “Triple 50” Milestone

While the official announcement was made in December, a presentation ceremony was held on November 25, 2025, at the Aviasur apron in Santiago, Chile. According to company statements, the event celebrated a “Triple 50” achievement for the airline: operating its 50th aircraft, transporting its 50 millionth passenger, and servicing 50 routes across the region.

The newly delivered Airbus A321neo is equipped with new engine option technology, which Avolon notes offers a 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, alongside a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous-generation aircraft. This aligns with the Sustainability targets of both the lessor and the operator.

A Unique Visual Identity

Unlike the carrier’s standard livery, which typically depicts a single animal on the tail, the 50th aircraft features a special design titled “Biodiversidad en el aire” (Biodiversity in the Air). The fuselage and tail display a collage of iconic South American species, including a humpback whale, sea turtle, penguin, puma, condor, owl, and jaguar. The number “50” is also prominently displayed on the tail and engines to commemorate the fleet milestone.

Strategic Context: The “100 by 2028” Vision

This delivery is integral to JetSMART’s broader “100 by 2028” strategy. CEO Estuardo Ortiz has publicly set a target to operate 100 aircraft and transport 100 million passengers by the year 2028. The airline, backed by Indigo Partners, is currently expanding its footprint in Colombia and strengthening its regional network across Chile, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

In a press statement regarding the delivery, Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Avolon, highlighted the rapid trajectory of the airline:

“We are excited to share this milestone with JetSMART and celebrate their phenomenal growth story since their launch in 2016. The four aircraft we are leasing will support JetSMART’s growth strategy to better connect Latin-America, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.”

JetSMART CEO Estuardo Ortiz emphasized the operational benefits of the new unit:

“This delivery marks a significant milestone in our journey, and our growth reflects the strength of our long-term vision for the business. The addition of these new-technology aircraft enhances our operational efficiency and gives us the flexibility to expand our network, delivering low-fare travel to passengers across South America.”

AirPro News analysis

The delivery of CC-DIY underscores the intensifying competition in the South American aviation market. With IATA data indicating a 7.2% year-to-date increase in passenger demand as of October 2025, the region is ripe for ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) expansion. JetSMART’s backing by Indigo Partners, who also manage Wizz Air and Frontier, suggests a disciplined adherence to the ULCC model: high-density seating, unbundled fares, and aggressive fleet utilization.

For Avolon, this delivery reinforces its exposure to high-growth emerging markets. By placing fuel-efficient A321neos with expanding carriers like JetSMART, lessors mitigate asset risk while capitalizing on the region’s recovery and growth post-pandemic. The specific focus on the A321neo variant also points to a Strategy of upgauging capacity on trunk routes to maximize revenue per slot, a critical tactic for low-cost operators in constrained airports.

Sources

• Avolon Press Release