JSX announces intent to acquire over 300 hybrid electric aircraft for delivery starting in 2028

Pledging to pioneer an environmentally sustainable future for small community air service, JSX intent to acquire up to 332 hybrid-electric aircraft Electra, Aura Aero, and Heart Aerospace. JSX signed LoI 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. 

Alex Wilcox, JSX CEO & Co-Founder, commented: “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. 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.” 

While commercial airlines can serve just 480 airports in the United States, JSX’ 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.  

JP Stewart, Electra’s Vice President and General Manager, said: “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. 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.” 

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.   

Jeremy Caussade, President and Co-Founder of Aura Aero, stated: “Aura Aero is very proud to have been selected by JSX, one of the US’s key supporters of regional network development. 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 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.   

Simon Newitt, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Heart Aerospace, added: “We’re really excited to be part of JSX’s commitment toward sustainable regional air travel. 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.”