JSX CEO Reports Strong Passenger Response to ATR Turboprops

Boutique air carrier JSX has experienced a strong positive response from passengers regarding its ATR turboprop aircraft, according to CEO Alex Wilcox. Initially optimistic but cautious about introducing turboprops, which can carry a stigma of being less comfortable than jets in the U.S., Wilcox reported that "People really love the airplane" after nine months of operation. A presentation by ATR at the Regional Airline Association Leaders Conference indicated that the net promoter score for JSX's ATR aircraft is 2.5 points higher than for its Embraer ERJ regional jets, a key metric for customer satisfaction. JSX's strategy involves offering upscale convenience, including a 1-1 seating configuration on most of its Embraer ERJ jets, high-speed Starlink connectivity, and operations from private air terminals or secondary airports in major cities. The introduction of the ATR 42-600, configured with 30 seats in a 2-1 layout, was intended to enhance this offering. However, the rollout of these turboprops faced delays due to supply chain and maintenance issues, impacting JSX's original timeline. The airline's fourth ATR aircraft entered service on August 30, as confirmed by flight tracking data from FlightRadar24. These delays have necessitated a postponement of plans to launch new routes to mountain destinations, specifically Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) in Colorado and potentially Truckee Tahoe Airport (TKF) in California. These airports have local restrictions on jet operations, making turboprops like the ATRs the only viable option for JSX to serve them. The revised target for commencing service to these mountain airports is now at least summer 2027. Currently, JSX utilizes its ATR aircraft for routes connecting Santa Monica Airport (SMO) in Los Angeles to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Napa County Airport (APC), Scottsdale Airport (SCF) near Phoenix, and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) as of September 14. The airline also recently introduced its "Club JSX" loyalty program, allowing members to earn rewards and enjoy enhanced comfort during their flights, further integrating the turboprop experience into its premium service model. The success of the ATRs is crucial for JSX's expansion into underserved markets and its ability to cater to passengers seeking an alternative to traditional commercial air travel.