JetSMART Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

JetSMART has 4 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, operational excellence, and financial management.

Focused on democratizing air travel across South America, JetSMART delivers ultra-low fares and flexible booking options to ensure affordable connectivity for all budget-conscious passengers throughout the region.

Leadership Roles at JetSMART

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Howe
  • Chief Executive Officer & Founder - Estuardo Ortiz
  • Chief Financial Officer & Co-founder - Matthew Bernier
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rodrigo Georgi
  • James Howe - Chief Executive Officer

    James Howe, the Chief Executive Officer at JetSMART, directs the overarching corporate strategy to expand low-cost flight accessibility across South American markets. Overseeing the implementation of ultra-low fare models, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that operational efficiency remains the primary driver for regional growth. This leadership role involves constant coordination with the Board to refine the Vuela product suite while maintaining competitive pricing structures. By optimizing fleet utilization and route expansion, James Howe directly impacts the company's ability to capture market share in the domestic and international aviation sectors. Ultimately, Howe secures long-term sustainability by aligning customer convenience with aggressive cost-management protocols, ensuring that the airline remains the preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking reliable and affordable transportation options throughout the diverse geographic landscape of the continent.

    Estuardo Ortiz - Chief Executive Officer & Founder

    Estuardo Ortiz, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at JetSMART, architects the foundational vision and long-term mission of the airline to revolutionize regional air travel. Driving the expansion of the network across South America, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for ultra-low-cost service deployment. This leadership role requires deep integration with the executive team to maintain the core philosophy of accessibility and customer-centric flexibility. Through the strategic oversight of brand positioning and partnership development, Estuardo Ortiz directly influences the company's reputation as a leader in the low-cost aviation industry. By fostering a culture of innovation and operational agility, Ortiz ensures that the airline consistently meets the evolving demands of travelers while maintaining a robust and scalable business model that supports sustained growth across multiple international borders.

    Matthew Bernier - Chief Financial Officer & Co-founder

    Matthew Bernier, the Chief Financial Officer & Co-founder at JetSMART, directs the financial planning, capital allocation, and fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing the budgeting process and revenue management systems, the Chief Financial Officer & Co-founder ensures that the airline maintains the necessary liquidity to support aggressive expansion across South American markets. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and evaluating the financial viability of new route launches and fleet acquisitions. By implementing robust cost-control measures, Matthew Bernier directly impacts the company's ability to offer ultra-low fares while maintaining profitability. Through the strategic analysis of market data and financial performance, Bernier provides the necessary insights to guide the executive team in making informed decisions that secure the long-term financial stability and competitive positioning of the airline within the highly dynamic aviation industry.
    Matthew Bernier

    Rodrigo Georgi - Chief Operating Officer

    Rodrigo Georgi, the Chief Operating Officer at JetSMART, manages the daily technical and logistical operations required to maintain high-frequency flight schedules across South America. Overseeing ground handling, maintenance protocols, and flight crew coordination, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every departure adheres to strict safety and efficiency standards. This leadership role involves streamlining the check-in process and optimizing airport operations to reduce turnaround times, directly supporting the company's low-cost business model. By implementing rigorous performance metrics, Rodrigo Georgi drives operational excellence across all regional hubs, ensuring that the airline delivers consistent service quality to passengers. Through the continuous monitoring of logistical workflows, Georgi mitigates operational risks and enhances the overall reliability of the flight network, ultimately contributing to the company's goal of providing seamless and affordable travel experiences for all customers.
    Rodrigo Georgi

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding JetSMART Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads JetSMART?
    JetSMART is led by James Howe (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Estuardo Ortiz (Chief Executive Officer & Founder) and Matthew Bernier (Chief Financial Officer & Co-founder).
    Who is part of JetSMART’s executive team?
    The executive team of JetSMART includes leaders such as James Howe (Chief Executive Officer), Estuardo Ortiz (Chief Executive Officer & Founder), Matthew Bernier (Chief Financial Officer & Co-founder) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does JetSMART have?
    JetSMART has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in JetSMART’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of JetSMART includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Chief Financial Officer & Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer.