JSX, the Dallas-based public charter air carrier, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week at Santa Monica Airport to mark the official start of passenger service, launching operations despite an ongoing resident lawsuit challenging the commercial flights.
The celebration comes as JSX announced an expansion of its newly launched Santa Monica service, increasing flight frequencies to Las Vegas and adding a new nonstop route to Scottsdale beginning Jan. 22, 2026.
The carrier will launch daily nonstop service between Santa Monica Airport and Scottsdale Airport in the new year. JSX will also increase service between Santa Monica and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to twice-daily flights, with a further expansion to three flights daily starting Feb. 5, 2026.
All Santa Monica flights will operate with JSX's ATR 42-600 turboprop aircraft, reconfigured to seat 30 passengers. The company markets the service as a streamlined alternative to traditional commercial airports, offering 20-minute check-in from curb to aircraft.
"Expanding our Santa Monica service is a direct response to strong demand for smarter, more seamless regional travel," said JSX CEO Alex Wilcox. "By increasing frequencies and adding new nonstop routes, we're giving travelers a faster, more comfortable way to connect to the destinations they love."
Tickets include at least two checked bags, including golf bags and ski equipment, subject to size and weight restrictions. Passengers receive complimentary cocktails, in-seat personal device charging and business-class legroom. The company plans to roll out fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi across its ATR fleet during the first quarter of 2026, pending certification.
Tickets are available at www.jsx.com or through the carrier's mobile application, with flights from Santa Monica starting at $215 one-way, including tax.
JSX operates under a three-year lease and commercial operations permit approved by the city in October. The company's initial plans call for at least six departures per day from Santa Monica Airport, with potential expansion to nine daily flights.
Founded in 2016, JSX operates a fleet of 50 Embraer jets and two ATR 42-600 turboprops. The company describes itself as a "hop-on" public charter airline and currently serves roughly 29 airports across the United States and Mexico. JSX said more than 2,200 Santa Monica residents already use its service from other regional airports, accounting for over 14,000 trips in recent years.
Wilcox has described Santa Monica Airport as "a natural gateway" to extend JSX's regional air travel service to local residents.
City officials approved JSX's commercial operations permit and lease following what they described as a rigorous technical and legal review covering safety, environmental, traffic and policy considerations. The Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation have certified JSX to operate its 30-seat aircraft safely at the airport.
City Manager Oliver Chi said the approval aligns with a 2017 federal consent decree with the FAA requiring Santa Monica to keep the airport open through Dec. 31, 2028, while allowing qualifying aeronautical users to operate under limited-term leases. The JSX lease runs through Nov. 30, 2028, one month before the city could close the airport.
However, the service launch comes amid legal opposition. Santa Monica residents and advocacy group Measure LC Defense filed a lawsuit in November challenging the approval. The plaintiffs, including residents Alan Levenson and Zina Josephs, allege the city improperly relied on exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act instead of conducting a comprehensive environmental review.
The city determined no new environmental review was required under CEQA, concluding the permit does not represent a new project or an expansion of existing use. City officials said federal law and the consent decree prohibit Santa Monica from denying airport access to qualified aeronautical users who meet established standards.