JSX‘s plan to bring turboprops into smaller airports will officially take flight on 19 December, with the inaugural flight from Las Vegas to Santa Monica Airport (SMO). The carrier will operate its ATR 42-600 daily in the market, promising “frictionless alternative to larger commercial airports, eliminating the crowds, long lines, and unpredictable delays that have come to define traditional air travel.”
The company’s press release touts the fuel efficiency of the aircraft, as well as potential economic growth for the region, clearly focused on countering local opposition to the larger plane operating at the small airport.
The ATR 42 will be configured with 30 seats on board, matching the capacity of the company’s ERJ fleet (and the max it can carry under its remit as a public charter service. This includes “business-class legroom” for passengers. But the layout will not be quite as posh as the ERJs offer, answering one of the key questions raised when the new service was first proposed. Indeed, none of the previously pitched ATR HighLine cabin designs will be used, as they are not yet ready for production nor certified to fly.
The cabin will fly in a 1-2 layout. The seat map shows a cocktail icon on one side of the aisle, suggesting the A seat will have the side table option similar to the ERJs.
The C/D seats will be a more typical pairing.
The company confirms it will add USB-A and USB-C charge points at each seat.
With just 10 rows on board, rather than the typical 12, passengers should expect pitch closer to 34″ than the 29-30″ the ATR typically operates with. That is a significant boost for comfort, though also probably a couple inches short of premium cabin spacing in the domestic market.
JSX also notes its Starlink-backed inflight internet service will not be available on the ATRs when service launches in a few weeks. Certification from the FAA is now expected in Q1 with installations to quickly follow.
JSX will take delivery of 4 total ATR 42-600s in the coming months, with options to acquire as many as 25 additional airframes. Expect at least some of those 25 to be the larger ATR 72-600 model, with a true premium seating layout on board, if the HighLine cabin product develops as previously planned.
A favor to ask while you're here...
Did you enjoy the content? Or learn something useful? Or generally just think this is the type of story you'd like to see more of? Consider supporting the site through a donation (any amount helps). It helps keep me independent and avoiding the credit card schlock.
Leave a Reply