Public charter air carrier JSX has just revealed plans to introduce turboprop service, with 30-seat all-business class aircraft. This is an interesting development for the carrier, and a logical evolution.
In this post:
JSX will fly ATR 42-600 turboprops as of late 2025
For context, JSX is an air carrier that operates point-to-point flights within the United States with 30-seat regional jets. The carrier operates flights primarily out of private terminals, and markets a “business class” experience.
Many people claim the company offers a semi-private experience, though to me that’s an oxymoron. The company has a controversial business model, since it’s not a Part 121 operator, meaning the company can skirt many of the rules that apply to airlines. To JSX’s credit, the airline is offering something unique in the market.
Anyway, up until now, JSX has operated its flights with Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 aircraft, though the company will soon be adding another aircraft to its fleet. JSX plans to begin operations with ATR turboprops as of late 2025. Specifically, the airline will lease two ATR 42-600s.
These planes will feature the new ATR HighLine interior, with 30 premium seats, in a 1-1 configuration. This partnership marks ATR’s entry into the United States’ public charter market, which the aircraft manufacturer thinks will pave the way for more opportunities.
Here’s how JSX CEO Alex Wilcox describes this development:
“The ATR -600 series will bring over 1,000 new airports into reach for JSX, expanding access to reliable public charter flights across the great United States. Many of these airports were, until now, reserved only for those who had the means to fly private. I am confident that our Customers will love the ATR product, not just for the variety of new routes it allows JSX to operate, but also for its quiet cabin and comfortable seating. When paired with our award-winning JSX hospitality, the addition of the ATR marks an innovative step forward in our company’s unyielding mission to increase the safety, speed, and convenience of air travel that moves our country forward.”
This seems like a good fit for JSX’s business model
Broadly speaking, turboprops have been phased out in the United States over the years, so you don’t see many airlines operating them anymore.
ATR has been heavily pitching its ATR HighLine interior concept, which is basically an all-business class cabin on the plane, as a way of introducing a comfortable and economical plane for short, thin, and premium routes.
In that sense, JSX seems like the perfect company to operate this kind of concept. Sure, the turboprops won’t be as fast as JSX’s jets, but this opens up all kinds of shorter routes, where the economics could work out. JSX operates a fleet of nearly 50 jets, so I’m curious how many ATRs we could eventually see in JSX’s fleet.
I have no clue of the economics here. JSX isn’t publicly traded, and JSX’s jets are an average of nearly 25 years old. So I imagine the operating economics on these ATRs will be good, but I also imagine that JSX’s acquisition costs on the Embraer jets are pretty low.
It’s not clear if these ATRs are brand new, or if they’re being acquired from elsewhere. Turboprop operator Silver Airways just ceased operations, so could the planes be coming from there, with fresh cabins? I guess we’ll find out soon…
Bottom line
JSX plans to get into turboprop operations. As of late 2025, the carrier will lease two ATR 42-600s, with the new ATR HighLine interior. The planes will feature 30 seats, spread across 15 rows, in a 1-1 configuration. This seems like about as good of a use of the aircraft as you could expect in the United States, and I could see these operations expanding considerably over time.
What do you make of JSX launching turboprop flights?
JSX should just concentrated on the smaller none stretch ATR, go 3 abreast business, have passengers stow their luggage internally on racks and use the remainder for cargo in the baggage holds. The ATR really excels in this ability with dual cargo holds above deck. Why was all that extra ability and still have the option to give passengers the thing they want. SPACE.
Good luck all the same to JSX with this.
An all-business class airline / flight just won’t work. One of the perks of being in the front cabin is to sip champagne while watching all the peasants parade past you to their cramped seats.
With the industry-wide pilot shortage, I wouldn't feel comfortable flying with a charter operator of turboprops. Seems likely they'll get the most junior pilots out there. If this is a misinformed take, I'd love to be corrected, as I like the business model and premium focus of JSX.
ATRs still require a type rating.
From what I’ve heard from some AA captains - they have picked up a lot of very experienced captains who hit union mandatory retirement ages. Youre likely to have someone with more experience than many regionals on some of their routes.
This has CLT PDK written all over it.
Would be amazing
Perhaps they should brand these jets PSX because using J isn't fair. Though I look forward to people throwing up pictures onboard referring to it as a "PJ"
When I saw the video of the ATR HighLine interior last year, I thought "That looks exactly like a JSX cabin..."
Now this is one promising forthcoming solution to the challenges encountered with the majority of U.S. domestic airlines.
Is it known if these ATRs are brand new or where exactly they are coming from?
Perhaps from Silver Airways (the few months in between to redo the interiors)?
@ JB -- It's a great question, and I'm not sure of the answer (at least not yet). I added that question to the post, though. Thanks!
In the last couple weeks, another Wexford-owned airline (Sterling dba Aleutian Airways) has added ATR-42s "coming soon" to its fleet list of Saab 2000s in its DOT filings.
@NedsKid - Interestingly, I came across a job posting on Indeed a few weeks ago for staff at Orlando International Airport (MCO) for "Sterling dba Aleutian Airways". They operate in Alaska if I'm not mistaken, so I was confused as to why they were hiring in Orlando. The position available was for ground staff (not pilots). Your comment makes me certain that they are picking up ex-Silver ATRs, especially since MCO was a large hub...
@NedsKid - Interestingly, I came across a job posting on Indeed a few weeks ago for staff at Orlando International Airport (MCO) for "Sterling dba Aleutian Airways". They operate in Alaska if I'm not mistaken, so I was confused as to why they were hiring in Orlando. The position available was for ground staff (not pilots). Your comment makes me certain that they are picking up ex-Silver ATRs, especially since MCO was a large hub for the airline!
@Ben - No problem! I'm just curious to see where those newer birds end up.
I just double-checked Indeed. That job posting was for an "Airline Reservations Agent" and it was based in person in Orlando (MCO). The job posting has expired now. Could that airline be setting up shop at MCO to operate some former Silver routes using Silver aircraft?
Or they are having home-based agents and hiring ex-Silver people?