JSX brings turboprops to controversial airport that lets you skip LAX

Zach Griff

November 26, 2025

ZACH GRIFF

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There’s a new way to get to and from Los Angeles that doesn’t involve LAX (and its notorious traffic).

Public air charter JSX announced on Tuesday that it will officially launch flights from Santa Monica Airport (SMO), becoming the only carrier to offer regularly scheduled service there.

JSX will commence once-daily service from SMO to Las Vegas on Dec. 19. Intro fares start at $149 each way, and after reading about the JSX experience (and the joy of skipping LAX), you might be tempted to give it a try.

While a single route from JSX might not necessarily pass the muster for a post on this site (though honestly, I’m still experimenting with different content formats), there are a few interesting quirks about JSX’s new service.

JSX might not last long in Santa Monica

For one, it might not actually last that long.

That’s because the Santa Monica airport is actually slated for permanent closure in 2028. Locals want to turn the airport into a public space. Others want to use the land for housing. But almost everyone seems to agree that they don’t want planes buzzing overhead.

In fact, even before the airport’s permanent closure, the city successfully petitioned the FAA to shorten the runway to just 3,500 feet, making it too short for most jet traffic.

While the city might’ve thought that 3,500 feet would limit most planes, it might not’ve considered this second quirk: JSX will become the first carrier to reintroduce commercial turboprop service on domestic U.S. routes.

JSX launching turboprop service

With the upcoming delivery of four ATR 42-600 turboprops, JSX can take off and land from SMO’s short runway. (JSX actually has options to acquire as many as 25 additional ATR planes, as it eyes other small, high-convenience airports.)

The good news, at least in JSX’s view, is that these turboprops offer a “low-noise, low-emissions design” that “aligns with Santa Monica Airport’s long-term sustainability commitments, ensuring responsible operations for residents and visitors alike.”

Seemingly, the airline knows it’s up against strong public opposition.

“Our operations at Santa Monica Airport will deliver joyful, attainable air travel while supporting local families and businesses. We are committed to being a responsible, respectful community partner for as long as Santa Monica chooses to keep its airport open,” said JSX CEO Alex Wilcox, in a statement.

JSX Santa Monica convenience

Of course, Santa Monica Airport is ideally situated for those heading to Malibu or the Pacific Palisades, as well as those who want to avoid the craziness of LAX.

As for the final quirk, JSX isn’t actually a traditional airline. Instead, it operates under the FAA’s (contested) Part 135 guidelines for public charter services.

To qualify for this certification, JSX is capped at selling just 30 seats per flight. The carrier will configure the ATRs in a 1-2 configuration across 10 rows to meet the 30-passenger cap.

JSX operates from private FBOs (in common parlance, private terminals) and requires passengers to arrive only 20 minutes before their flights.

While JSX’s existing Embraer 135 and 145 fleet is outfitted with blazing-fast Starlink satellite Wi-Fi, the ATRs aren’t expected to get online until the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory certification.

Zach Griff Author

Zach Griff is a travel expert who’s covered airlines, loyalty programs, credit cards, and travel tech for nearly a decade. He’s visited 60+ countries and regularly shares his insights across Instagram, TikTok and X — and at From the Tray Table.