Regional air carrier JSX looks set to acquire up to 332 hybrid-electric aircraft from manufacturers Electra, Aura Aero, and Heart Aerospace.
JSX has signed Letters of Intent (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. JSX expects to take delivery of its first hybrid-electric aircraft in 2028.
With the Electra eSTOL, Heart Aerospace ES-30, and Aura Aero Era, JSX expects to 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.
“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,” said Alex Wilcox, JSX CEO & Co-Founder. “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 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.
“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,” said JP Stewart, Electra’s Vice President and General Manager. “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 new eco-responsible aircraft capable of transporting 19 passengers or 1.9 tons of freight with a flexible seating configuration. The hybrid-electric Era offers a range of up to 900 nautical miles (1,600 kilometers) in a comfortable, pressurized cabin.
“Aura Aero is very proud to have been selected by JSX, one of the U.S.’s key supporters of regional network development,” commented 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.”
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,” added Simon Newitt, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Heart Aerospace. “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.”
