JSX announced this week that it will start service between Santa Monica, California, and Las Vegas before the end of the year.
The public charter carrier will fly once daily between the two cities using its new 30-seat ATR 42-600 turboprop aircraft, which it ordered earlier this year to help reach small and underserved airports. Flights will start on Dec. 19.
JSX currently operates flights from Las Vegas but has not served Santa Monica before.
“With demand for efficient regional travel at an all-time high, our operations at Santa Monica Airport will deliver joyful, attainable air travel while supporting local families and businesses,” JSX CEO Alex Wilcox said in a statement. “We are committed to being a responsible, respectful community partner for as long as Santa Monica chooses to keep its airport open.”
Santa Monica Airport is expected to shut down in 2028. The facility has been the focus of resident complaints about noise and air pollution for years, and in 2017 the city and the FAA reached an agreement to wind down operations there.
JSX expects to take delivery of four ATR 42-600 aircraft, with options for up to 25 more. Company officials have said the turboprop airplanes will allow access to smaller airports with shorter runways that JSX’s main fleet, consisting of Embraer E135s and E145s, cannot use.
