U.S. Air Line Pilots Union Urges Government to Ban JSX’s Business Model

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The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the largest pilot union in the U.S., has formally requested the Department of Transportation to prohibit the business model of JSX, an airline operating 30-seat planes from private terminals.

ALPA’s move comes as JSX’s unique approach to air travel gains popularity. With no airport hassles, passengers can arrive just 20 minutes before their flight, enjoy first-class seats, complimentary drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi. The airline’s customer-centric approach has garnered positive feedback.

Incumbent airlines, particularly American and Southwest, based in Dallas alongside JSX, may push for a ban, similar to how they reacted to Southwest’s entry and Legend Airlines’ premium cabin jets from Dallas Love Field.

In response, JSX’s CEO countered in March that United and JetBlue, both with ownership stakes, do not oppose their model. However, the main opposition stems from unions, particularly pilots’ unions, with American joining in. The established carriers are wary of the competition, especially when JSX offers consumers a superior product.

ALPA’s concern is that JSX’s business model may spread, making it easier to become a pilot. For instance, SkyWest seeks approval to operate an airline under the same rules as JSX for cost-effective Essential Air Service routes. By avoiding higher pilot wages and serving fewer passengers, JSX’s model challenges the existing norms.

To combat this, ALPA has lodged its grievances with the DOT, seeking to render JSX’s model illegal. They argue that JSX serves airports with existing commercial air service, although they acknowledge that 27% of their airports lack capacity for large scheduled flights. Additionally, ALPA portrays JSX as catering to premium travelers, implying a threat to their own pilots who fly premium routes for major airlines.

ALPA’s argument against JSX revolves around questioning its necessity and attempting to regulate it as a scheduled airline. However, JSX operates in accordance with FAA rules under 14 CFR Part 135. ALPA acknowledges this but insists it should not be the case.

The crux of ALPA’s complaint lies in JSX’s exemption from certain regulations, such as the 1,500-hour rule for co-pilots and age 65 retirements. ALPA also raises concerns about JSX operating from private terminals, which offers greater convenience and avoids TSA procedures. However, there is no evidence suggesting that TSA procedures are safer, and JSX maintains its own stringent security measures.

ALPA highlights hypothetical security threats, but private charters and planes operate with less security every day. They neglect to consider the increased risks of accidents and road fatalities when people are compelled to drive longer distances due to the absence of commercial air service.

ALPA’s underlying concern is that airlines like JSX can hire pilots who are not part of their union, circumventing occupational licensing restrictions and fostering competition. Pilots can accumulate the necessary hours while working for JSX or other Part 135 operators, posing a challenge to ALPA’s influence.

ALPA’s apprehensions extend to SkyWest Charter, which seeks similar authority to JSX but from regular airport terminals and with co-pilots having fewer flight hours. ALPA perceives JSX’s model as spreading, prompting their call for stricter regulation. While no active rulemaking exists for revising Part 135 rules, ALPA is actively working towards it.

The filing references an Airlines Confidential podcast interview with JSX’s CEO, Alex Wilcox, emphasizing the premium experience and convenience offered to customers.

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