Premium public charter jet service JSX has announced plans to acquire up to 332 hybrid-electric aircraft in its pledge to lead a sustainable future for the aviation industry. Aircraft from manufacturers Electra, Aura Aero and Heart Aerospace are expected to be delivered by 2028.
The announcement looks to increase JSX’s current operations by sevenfold: currently, the aircraft carrier operates 48 Embraer E145 family aircraft, each configured to offer 30 seats, and employs more than 1,200 crew members.
Details within the announcement reveal that JSX has signed letters of intent to acquire up to 82 of the nine-seat Electra eSTOL aircraft, with 32 firm orders and 50 options; up to 150 of the 19-seat Aura Aero Era, with 50 firm and 100 options; and up to 100 of the 30-seat Heart Aerospace ES-30, with 50 firm and 50 options.
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The Electra eSTOL (short for electric short takeoff and landing) is a low-emission airplane with the unique ability to take off and land in less than 150ft at very slow speeds. Along with batteries that recharge in flight, the eSTOL leverages distributed electric propulsion and blown lift as well as using a small turbine-powered generator to drive the eight electric motors that are distributed across its wings.
The largest amount of orders is reserved for the hybrid-electric Era from Aura Aero, which uses all-electric propulsion for takeoff and offers a range of up to 900 nautical miles.
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Meanwhile, the ES-30 from Heart Aerospace is the largest aircraft within the order, with a standard seating capacity of 30 passengers and a range of up to 500 miles, including 250 miles of hybrid range and up to 125 miles on solely electric power.
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“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,” said Alex Wilcox, JSX CEO and co-founder.
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The hop-on jet service already holds a reputation for innovation and premium service, being the world’s only five-star regional air carrier. This announcement is no different, with JSX being the first in its category to adopt this cutting-edge renewable energy technology.
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“JSX is, by far, America’s highest-rated and most innovative air carrier, and [this] 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,” said Wilcox.
It’s not only the environment that looks to benefit from this announcement either, as the move looks to improve accessibility and reconnect smaller communities within JSX’s flight network. While commercial airlines serve just 480 of the airports in the US, with this partnership JSX hopes to open new flight options at more than 2,000 airports.
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