Following the Biden administration’s call 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.
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 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.
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.
“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. "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 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. The aircraft is abke 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.
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.
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.
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, Texas, 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.
