JSX Launches ATR 42 Service for Premium Turboprop Routes

US-based charter airline JSX has introduced the ATR 42-600 twin turboprop to its fleet on select routes, signifying a strategic expansion in its service offerings while keeping its focus on a premium, crowd-free experience.

JSX commenced its ATR 42 operations in December 2025, initially flying between Santa Monica Airport in Southern California and Las Vegas. This marks the airline’s first use of a turboprop for scheduled passenger flights, showcasing a keen interest in serving smaller, lesser-known airports with a high-quality travel experience.

In early 2026, JSX plans to operate four ATR 42-600 aircraft. These planes are outfitted with 30 all-premium seats, which aligns with the capacity of its Embraer regional jets while enabling access to airports that jets typically cannot serve.

A ceremonial event at Santa Monica Airport in January 2026 marked the official launch of service. This occasion followed an agreement unveiled at the Paris Air Show in June 2025, where JSX signed a letter of intent for up to 25 ATR aircraft, comprising both the 42-600 and the larger 72-600 models.

JSX has started its first ATR 42-600 operations and has confirmed intentions to add more aircraft throughout early 2026. The airline aims to use these turboprops on routes that require shorter runways and show better performance at high-altitude airports.

In December 2025, ATR received approval from US regulators for an avionics upgrade, allowing the aircraft to operate at airports as high as 11,000 feet, compared to the previous limit of 8,500 feet. This regulatory change broadens the range of airports ATR 42-600 can access in the western United States and aligns with JSX’s goal of connecting additional secondary and regional markets.

The ATR 42-600 aircraft being utilized by JSX are leased from Silver Airways, which ceased operations in mid-2025. This allowed the aircraft to return to the leasing market before they commenced service with JSX.

JSX CEO Alex Wilcox highlighted the ATR 42-600’s role in extending the airline’s “hop-on” model to new airports without compromising the passenger experience. The airline has stressed that these planes will maintain JSX’s hallmark features, such as spacious seating, on-board hospitality, and straightforward airport access.

This initiative also comes at a time when manufacturers and operators are on the lookout for alternatives to aging 50-seat regional jets in the US market. ATR views JSX as an important test case for revitalizing turboprop service in premium passenger routes, especially after mixed outcomes with previous operators in the US.

Founded in April 2016 as JetSuiteX, JSX launched its inaugural flight between Burbank and Concord, California, with the goal of providing a more personal jet service compared to traditional airlines. Rebranding to JSX in 2019, the airline has since expanded its service across the United States and into Mexico, focusing on point-to-point travel from private terminals while using Embraer regional jets.

Offering flights to numerous destinations in states like California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Texas, and Utah, JSX has established bases in Burbank, Dallas-Love Field, Las Vegas, Miami-Opa Locka, and Scottsdale, along with charter options beyond its scheduled operations.

At present, JSX has not disclosed any additional ATR routes beyond the initial deployments and has yet to announce any firm orders after the evaluation phase.

What do you think about JSX’s expansion into turboprop flights? Would you consider flying with them?