03/07/2026 15:40 - Turismo
On July 1, 2026, the Argentine airline American Jet operated its first regular commercial flight to the town of Perito Moreno, located in the province of Santa Cruz. It is important to note that this town should not be confused with the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, which is located in El Calafate, at the opposite end of the province. This new air service represents a massive step forward for connectivity within Argentina's vast interior.
The flight departs from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (Buenos Aires' domestic airport) and makes a technical stop in Comodoro Rivadavia (a major city in the neighboring Chubut province) to refuel, a measure that optimizes operational costs. Then, it continues to the terminal in Perito Moreno. The frequency is every Tuesday and alternating Wednesdays. The aircraft used is an Embraer 145, with a capacity of approximately 50 passengers.
Unlike traditional air routes that depend on tourism or corporate business, this connection is possible thanks to a crucial ally: the mining industry. More than half of the seats on the plane are purchased by mining companies to transport their personnel once a week.
For the residents of Perito Moreno and nearby towns like Los Antiguos, this means a drastic change. Previously, if miners or any local resident needed to travel, they had to fly to Comodoro Rivadavia and then face an exhausting 7 to 8-hour bus ride. Now, they have the possibility to purchase tickets available to the general public and drastically shorten travel times.
Despite being a regional flight on an Embraer 145, American Jet offers a cold and hot beverage service. Additionally, they gift passengers airline stickers and a practical reusable bag containing a mix of seeds and a cereal bar. Ideal to start the day with energy!
A unique quirk of the journey occurs during the stop in Comodoro Rivadavia. Although no passenger gets off or boards at this technical stop, the Argentine Airport Security Police (PSA, by its Spanish acronym) requires everyone to leave the aircraft to go through scanners. The curious part is that, two minutes after passing the check and going back up the stairs to board, passengers must pass through the security arch again. A strict but somewhat redundant protocol, according to travelers.
The success of this mining-driven route opens the door to new possibilities. American Jet is currently evaluating expanding operations to Puerto San Julián and Puerto Deseado in Santa Cruz. Furthermore, they are analyzing establishing operational bases in Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca, provinces where mining activity also generates a constant demand for personnel transport. This could allow adding seats for the general public, just as it happened in the Patagonian south.
Source: Sir Chandler
Alfredo S. Quiroga
