Jet service JSX says American, Southwest behind FAA’s charter safety review

A Texas-based public charter jet service is accusing American Airlines and Southwest Airlines of pressuring federal regulators in an effort to undermine its business model, and is asking the flying public to fight back. JSX, a charter carrier headquartered in Dallas, said in an email to customers that the broad review of public charter safety standards by the Federal Aviation Administration was triggered “under pressure” from American, Southwest and their labor unions in an effort to stymie competition. Its message to customers to act “right now” generated nearly 38,000 comments on the docket for the FAA review, a JSX spokesperson said. Another 100,000 clicked on a link to send a support message to members of Congress. Among those supporting the effort: Airbnb Inc. co-cofounder Joe Gebbia, who posted on X that “JSX airline is under attack.” The push for changes “is not driven by a bona fide regulatory concern,” JSX CEO Alex Wilcox said Thursday in an interview. “This is pure back room politicking done by competitors out of complete self-interest.” Transportation Department and FAA regulators have declined to meet with JSX officials, he said. Southwest pushed back against JSX’s accusation, saying the carrier “supports the position of airline industry pilots, flight attendants and air traffic controllers who believe there needs to be one level of safety for anyone flying on a scheduled air carrier.” American had no immediate comment on the JSX concerns. In its email to passengers, JSX said its business model was at risk - and provided a link with prewritten text to lawmakers. “If these airlines and labor groups succeed, JSX will be forced out of business,” the email said. “They’re using unsubstantiated allegations about aviation safety to push for our shutdown out of greed.”<br/>