JetSMART and ECS give cargo a new spin

In our last CFG issue, we featured the groundbreaking Total Management Contract (TCM) which the Paris-based ECS Group recently signed with South America’s leading low-cost carrier group: JetSMART Airlines.*
In a joint release, both companies stressed that the partnership will strengthen South America’s cargo connectivity to global markets by focusing on high-demand commodities such as salmon, perishables, minerals, and mail services. CargoForwarder Global (CFG) wanted more specific details and asked the two companies additional questions to discover more about the scope of the future cooperation and the resulting benefits for the air freight market. Here are the answers from Adrien Thominet (AT), Executive Chairman of the ECS Group, and Víctor Mejía (VM), Chief Commercial Officer of JetSMART Airlines.

Adrien Thominet, source: ECS Group

CFG: Adrien, the ECS Group intends to establish dedicated commercial and operational teams in each country serviced by JetSMART. This supposedly includes Sales, Operations, Customer Service, IT, Road Feeder responsibilities, and administrative tasks. Is this correct?
AT: Yes, this is correct. As part of the TCM model, we provide three key services. First to mention is Operational Expertisefor daily operational needs. To implement this, we rely on the proven expertise of TCE [Total Cargo Expertise, hs], a specialized entity renowned for its high standards in safety, security, and quality. This goes hand in hand with Sales and Performance: Dedicated teams in each country will focus on maximizing domestic and international sales, while ensuring alignment with JetSMART’s structure across its four Latin American AOCs. Another major aspect is the integration of technology: JetSMART will benefit from advanced digital tools like Apollo, Rotate’s Sales Cockpit, and Wiremind’s CargoStack, which enhance revenue optimization and decision-making.

CFG: How many headcounts will be required to cover all these tasks?
AT: The exact number is not finalized yet, as we aim to remain as close as possible to JetSMART’s needs and adjust accordingly. However, the structure is clear: Each country will have a dedicated operations and sales team to ensure localized support. These teams will be coordinated through our state-of-the-art control tower in San José, Costa Rica, which centralizes planning, monitoring, and decision-making to optimize results and maintain alignment across the region.

CFG: What is the volume of the investment to get these aims on track?
AT: The investment details remain confidential. However, ECS Group is fully committed to deploying the necessary resources and leveraging advanced digital tools to meet JetSMART’s cargo ambitions efficiently.

Victor Mejía, JetSMART  –  courtesy: Marketers, Buenos Aires

CFG: Turning to you, Victor: Your core business is serving passengers, but you also carry air freight. How come cargo is not explicitly mentioned on JetSMART’s website?
VM: We do have information on our site. Companies interested in shipping cargo with JetSMART, are invited to visit our dedicated cargo webpage at https://jetsmart.com/us/en/cargo/home. There, they’ll find all the information they need and can contact us directly.

CFG: Are there any considerations to add freighter aircraft to your fleet?
VM: As you mentioned, at JetSMART, our primary focus is providing low fares and efficient service to our passengers. By utilizing the available space on our aircraft for cargo, we maximize operational efficiency and generate additional revenue. Incorporating dedicated cargo aircraft would represent a significant shift in our operational model and is not part of our current plans.

CFG: Adrien, which effect does the JetSMART deal have on ECS Group’s role as a global acting GSSA?
AT: This partnership highlights two significant points:
It underscores ECS Group’s advanced capabilities in Total Cargo Management, combining expertise in sales, operations, and administration.
Our robust regional network, paired with interline connectivity, ensures maximum sales efficiency. ECS Group remains the only GSSA with a fully integrated network across South America, further solidifying its position as a global leader.

CFG: Does JetSMART’s existing partnership with American Airlines also include cargo?
VM: Our partnership with American Airlines enhances global connectivity for our travelers. While the partnership focuses on passenger transportation, there are no specific agreements related to cargo operations at this time.

CFG: Gentlemen, thank you for your time and explanations.


* See: https://cargoforwarder.eu/2025/01/12/jetsmart-airlines-awards-tcm-contract-to-ecs-group/ 

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