Public charter operator JSX on Tuesday announced its intention to acquire more than 300 hybrid-electric aircraft from three different manufacturers as part of its efforts to decarbonize its U.S. regional air services. The fleet expansion plans cover up to 332 aircraft, including a letter of intent with Electra for 82 of its nine-passenger eSTOL aircraft (32 firm orders and 50 options), up to 150 of Aura Aero’s 19-seat Era model (50 firm plus 100 options), and up to 100 of Heart Aerospace’s 30-seat ES-30 (50 firm and 50 options).
According to JSX, it aims to start operating the first of the new aircraft in 2028, without saying which of the three new types will be delivered first. The Texas-based company’s fleet currently includes 48 of Embraer’s 30-seat ERJ145 aircraft, providing up to 120 public charter flights daily under DOT Part 380 and FAR Part 135 rules to 24 U.S. destinations. It did not disclose the financial terms of the agreements, and specifically whether or not any deposit payments have been made.
In October, JSX pushed back against a notice from the FAA that it intends to rethink what services it will permit under Part 380 charter rules. This comes after sustained protests from Part 121 scheduled airlines. In Tuesday’s announcement, the operator pointed to last week’s call by the Biden Administration for the air transport industry to cut carbon emissions and create new jobs as evidence of political support for investments in electric aviation technology.
