Airport News
TSA set to take another crack at small air carriers like Dallas-based JSX
JSX jet ready for takeoff.
The Transportation Security Administration, under pressure from corporate airlines and commercial pilot unions, will propose new rules in the coming weeks that threaten the viability of small public charter aviation companies, including Dallas-based JSX.
Details of the new rules, first reported by Bloomberg News, are so far unknown but are expected to address the complaints of American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and the Air Line Pilots Association. The primary allegation contends that carriers like JSX undermine security measures imposed by the feds in the wake of 9/11.
American and Southwest initially complained about the public charters to the Department of Transportation. But that agency’s authority extends to pilot training, not security concerns. The TSA now becomes an agency that can address their issues, and under the secrecy of security.
According to Bloomberg, “The Transportation Security Administration plans to share the proposals with public charter carriers such as Dallas-based JSX and will allow a period for feedback, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the issue is private. The suggested changes, which potentially could threaten the business model, won’t be made public because they’re considered sensitive security information.”
Public charter aviation groups usually fly out of private terminals and offer semi-private perks including rapid security screening and jets with first-class amenities such as business-class sized seats, complimentary drinks, snacks, WiFi, and checked bags.
The carriers must limit their flights to no more than 30 passengers.
In a complaint last year to the FAA, the pilots union predicted disaster if JSX is allowed to continue its current business model.
“…Allowing these public charter operations to use a loophole to mimic scheduled service…undermines the scheduled commercial service rules, as well as the highest-standard-of-safety…that exist to avoid a repeat of the industry’s history of aviation disasters.”
JSX, which did not respond to an email seeking comment, insists it is operating a safe and complaint business.
The airline screens passengers via TSA Secure Flight, “the same TSA-provided background check [processes] the major airlines use,” JSX says on its website
"JSX complies with all applicable rules and regulations and far exceeds the safety requirements germane to our public charter operations," the carrier told Travel Weekly in an August story. "As a beacon of American innovation, we're confident that JSX can and will model the way forward to ensure safe, reliable and accessible air travel for all."
Several large aviation companies, including Southwest, operate public charters, which, like JSX and its peers, must register with the DOT. Some are aimed at the sports sector, which transport teams, while others at business. Both JetBlue and United Airlines own a stake in JSX, which has prospered since opening in Concord, California in 2016 and now bases at its private lounge and terminal at Love Field.
The TSA said in a statement to the travel website View From the Wing, “TSA works closely with all its airline stakeholders to ensure the appropriate security procedures are in place to protect the transportation system and facilitate the movement of people and goods. There is an increase in the number of airlines operating public charter flights on a scheduled basis, so TSA is reaching out to the airlines in review of its security program related to these public charter flights."
JSX recently curtailed service service to Nashville, after only six months in the market. But the carrier has also added flights along the East Coast, including airports in Morristown, New Jersey and Boca Raton, Florida.
The Clara Hotel is now open at 8201 Preston Rd., Plano.Photo by Greg Ceo Studio
Clara ceviche at Field & Vine.Photo by Dan Padgett
Cocktails at The Archer.Photo by Dan Padgett
