Aviation Industry Innovator JSX Announces Intent to Acquire Over 300 Hybrid Electric Aircraft for Delivery Starting in 2028

JSX, the world’s only 5-star premium regional air carrier, today announced its intent to acquire up to 332 hybrid-electric aircraft from manufacturers Electra, Aura Aero, and Heart Aerospace, pledging to pioneer an environmentally sustainable future for small community air service. JSX has signed Letters of Intent to acquire up to 82 of the 9-seat Electra eSTOL aircraft with 32 firm orders and 50 options, up to 150 of the 19-seat Aura Aero Era with 50 firm orders and 100 options, and up to 100 of the 30-seat Heart Aerospace ES-30 with 50 firm orders and 50 options, representing its commitment to the renewal of low-impact regional transportation in North America. Following the Biden administration’s call last week for the aviation industry to cut carbon emissions and create more good paying U.S. jobs, JSX expects to take delivery of its first hybrid-electric aircraft in 2028, shepherding the next chapter of regional aviation as the first in its category to adopt this impactful cutting-edge renewable energy technology.

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Rendering of the Aura Aero Era 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft in JSX livery (Photo: Business Wire)

While commercial airlines can serve just 480 airports in the United States, JSX’s small community-friendly Part 135 and Part 380 Public Charter operations, combined with the exceptional performance capabilities of these hybrid-electric airplanes, enables service opportunities to thousands of federally funded airports otherwise inaccessible to people who can’t own or charter an entire aircraft. JSX has mastered the trifecta of marketing, selling, and operating attainable by-the-seat public charter air service to numerous small communities that have no other regular air service. With the Electra eSTOL, Heart Aerospace ES-30, and Aura Aero Era, JSX can dramatically lower the cost of its service and open new flight options at over 2,000 U.S. airports, stimulating local economies and empowering regional mobility and connectivity for communities devoid of regular air service today. A demonstrated innovator by example, today’s announcement marks another milestone in JSX’s class-defining suite of services and products, a record that includes being the global launch customer for SpaceX’s Starlink inflight Wi-Fi.

“JSX is, by far, America’s highest rated and most innovative air carrier, and today’s order of hybrid-electric aircraft exemplifies our commitment to achievable, customer-friendly, carbon-reducing solutions that will offer the lower costs essential to providing vital air service to smaller communities across the country,” says Alex Wilcox, JSX CEO & Co-Founder. “As the network airlines order ever-larger aircraft it is inevitable that more and more small markets will be abandoned. Electra, Aura Aero, and Heart Aerospace are visionary organizations that share in JSX’s commitment to serving smaller communities, working together with us to weave sustainable regional air travel back into the fabric of American commerce and freedom of movement.”

The Electra eSTOL Aircraft

The Electra eSTOL (electric Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft is a low-emission airplane designed to transport 9 passengers or 2,500 pounds of cargo with a range of up to 500 nautical miles. It has the unique ability to take off and land in less than 150 feet at very slow speeds with batteries that recharge in-flight, eliminating the need for new ground infrastructure. Electra’s eSTOL aircraft leverages distributed electric propulsion and blown lift as well as a small turbine-powered generator to drive eight electric motors distributed across the wing, providing high lift at low airspeed and low drag at high speed. This enables the aircraft to cleanly and quietly operate closer to where people and cargo need to go, providing air connectivity where it doesn’t exist today, including to small cities and regional airports.

“Electra is thrilled to be a key part of JSX’s innovative vision for the future of regional air mobility. Our eSTOL aircraft is uniquely positioned to deliver on JSX’s commitment to provide sustainable access to small communities and large cities alike,” says JP Stewart, Electra’s Vice President and General Manager. “As the nation’s most experienced Part 380 operator, JSX provides a “hop-on” regional air service that is reminiscent of a time where flying was an enjoyable experience with large seats, friendly service, frequent direct flights, and low friction.”

The Aura Aero Era 

Aura Aero’s Era is a brand-new eco-responsible aircraft capable of transporting 19 passengers or 1.9 tons of freight with a flexible seating configuration. As a solution to the decarbonization of regional aviation, the hybrid-electric Era offers a range of up to 900 nautical miles (1,600 kilometers) in a comfortable, pressurized cabin. Using all-electric propulsion for takeoff reduces the Era’s noise footprint while minimizing environmental impact – a winning combination for the planet, local communities, and air carriers alike.

“Aura Aero is very proud to have been selected by JSX, one of the U.S.’s key supporters of regional network development,” says Jeremy Caussade, President and Co-Founder of Aura Aero. “Era, our low-carbon aircraft, provides the performance required for JSX to bring air connectivity to more local communities. This agreement marks a new step in our development in the USA; we are thrilled by this new, exciting challenge!”

The Heart Aerospace ES-30 

The ES-30 is a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a standard seating capacity of 30 passengers offering low emissions, low noise pollution, and low operating costs on short haul routes. The ES-30 has the flexibility to fly up to 500 miles, including 250 miles of hybrid range and up to 125 miles under full electric, zero-emissions power.

“We’re really excited to be part of JSX’s commitment toward sustainable regional air travel,” says Simon Newitt, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Heart Aerospace. “The ES-30, with its competitive economics and green credentials, fits very well with JSX’s vision, and we see not only the opportunity to reconnect many regional routes lost over the years, but also open many more new ones. We believe this transformation will be good for the consumer and good for the economy, as well as for the environment.”

Expanding Small Community Access to Safe, Sustainable Flight Options

The favorable operating economics of the Aura Aero Era, Heart ES-30, and Electra eSTOL can create thousands of new and expanded air travel options across the United States without the need for government subsidy. Small communities like Del Rio, TX, which lost all commercial air service since the COVID-19 pandemic, is one example of many locales that stand to be reconnected to major cities in a sustainable, cost-effective way.

For fifty years, Part 380 Public Charter regulations have enabled the innovation and diversified air travel offerings that JSX proudly provides today. Moreover, JSX is well-prepared to handle the complexities of bringing these new aircraft to new markets. It boasts expert small aircraft maintenance and operating standards that have earned the company continuous accolades from across the aviation industry and routinely passes stringent industry safety audits with flying colors. JSX continues to receive high praise from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for its investments in industry-leading safety and security measures.

Having vetted dozens of environmentally-conscious airplane proposals over the past several years, JSX stands firm in its support of and belief in manufacturers Electra, Aura Aero, and Heart Aerospace, who have identified the natural first frontier for scalable low-carbon aviation: using small, fixed-wing regional aircraft that fit within both existing infrastructure and time-tested regulatory parameters, but with dramatically lower operating costs and emissions. JSX plans to roll out these new aircraft as early as 2028, offering point-to-point mobility on state-of-the-art hybrid-electric aircraft in an exciting step forward for regional air travel.

JSX currently operates 48 Embraer E145 family aircraft, each configured to offer 30 seats, and employs over 1,200 crewmembers.

VISUAL ASSETS: We kindly ask that you refer to JSX as an “air carrier” or “public charter jet service” as JSX is not an “airline.” Copies of the JSX hybrid-electric airplane mockup images or future JSX sample route map may be requested by emailing press@jsx.com.

About JSX

Founded in 2016, JSX is a ‘hop-on’ public charter jet service that’s faster on the ground, more comfortable in the air, and is competitively priced. JSX has operated safely and securely without incident since its inception, and its safety and security technologies and programs exceed both FAA and TSA requirements for Part 135 operators. Recognized as among the top 5 “Most Innovative Companies for 2020” by Fast Company in the travel category, honored by Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as the world’s only 2022 “Five-Star Regional Airline” for a third consecutive year and as the 2020 “Best Overall Air Carrier in North America,” JSX is dramatically improving air travel for thousands of travelers every day by offering the hassle-free, crowd-free experience of flying between private terminals on 30-seat Embraer aircraft. JSX has amassed a reputation for joyful, simple, and reliable air travel by offering a category of flying it calls ‘hop-on jet service’ for all, providing an accessible charter jet travel experience once reserved for corporate leaders and the ultra-wealthy to all.

JSX provides up to 120 public charter flights daily to 24 business and leisure destinations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Texas in the U.S., with new offerings to Mexico and The Bahamas, as well. JSX currently operates 48 ERJ family aircraft, each reconfigured to offer 30 seats, and employs over 1,000 crewmembers.

JSX offers many industry-leading features including:

• Allowing customers to check-in just 20 minutes before their domestic flight from beautifully appointed, spacious private terminals (45 minutes for international flights)
• No long check-in lines and fast, effortless, TSA-approved security protocols
• A bright, spacious, modern cabin interior featuring 30 comfortable seats with business class legroom, no middle seats, and power outlets at every row
• Added complimentary amenities for all customers such as two checked bags (including golf bags, skis, and snowboards), drinks, snacks, and cocktails inflight
• Planeside baggage retrieval within minutes of arrival
• Enhanced cleaning protocols including hospital-grade HEPA filters onboard
• The air carrier now offers the world’s fastest and totally free instant-on in-flight Wi-Fi from Starlink, fleetwide since May 2023

JSX flights may be booked directly through www.jsx.com, the JSX mobile app, or through partners JetBlue and United. JSX Customers can accrue toward United MileagePlus and JetBlue TrueBlue loyalty programs. JSX’s 30-seat jets may be chartered for group trips, corporate events, or other travel needs. For a charter quote, please email charter@jsx.com.

About Electra

Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) is a next-gen aerospace company leading the way in sustainable urban and regional mobility. The company is building clean, hybrid-electric, short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) airplanes that fly people and cargo quieter, further, and more affordably. Electra's technology delivers 2.5x the payload and 10X longer range with 70% lower operating costs than vertical takeoff alternatives with far less certification risk. Electra's team includes some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs and engineers in novel aircraft design, with over 40 prior aircraft successfully developed and/or certified. Its technology development is supported by the U.S. Government, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), and private investors.

About AURA AERO

A pioneer in low-carbon aviation, AURA AERO is committed to serve mankind by designing and manufacturing aircraft that accelerate air transport decarbonization, by industrializing disruptive technologies resolutely focused on the aviation of tomorrow. Combining the best in the aeronautical industry and digital technologies, AURA AERO manufactures aircraft that offer unrivaled efficiency on the market of eco-efficient vehicles. Founded in 2018, AURA AERO is based at Toulouse-Francazal airport, France, and employs 200 people. In addition to its many shareholders, the manufacturer is supported by the Occitanie Region, the BPI (French Public Investment Bank) and venture capital firm Innovacom. AURA AERO is a member of the steering committee of AZEA (Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation), a European Union initiative.

About Heart Aerospace

At Heart Aerospace, we work at the cutting edge of technology while contributing towards a sustainable future. Heart’s mission is to create the world’s greenest, most affordable, and most accessible form of transport. This mission is grounded in the outlook that electric air travel will become the new normal for regional flights and can be transformational in addressing the industry’s key sustainability challenges. http://www.heartaerospace.com

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