Dallas air carrier JSX plans to purchase 332 hybrid-electric aircraft from several manufacturers following a call from the Biden administration urging the aviation industry to reduce carbon emissions.
“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,” according to a news release.
The company has signed letters of intent to acquire as many as 82 of the nine-seat Electra eSTOL aircraft, up to 150 of the 19-seat Aura Aero Era, and as many as 100 of the 30-seat Heart Aerospace ES-30.
“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,” JSX CEO and co-founder Alex Wilcox said.
“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 manufacturers of the airplanes are also excited about the opportunity.
“Aura Aero is very proud to have been selected by JSX, one of the U.S.’s key supporters of regional network development,” said 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!”
JSX, a “hop-on” public charter jet service, was founded in 2016. It provides up to 120 flights each day to 24 destinations across Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, California, Florida, and New York, as well as to Mexico and the Bahamas.
