JSX retro jet celebrates the airline’s 50th aircraft with a breathtaking blend of vintage charm and modern comfort.
You know how some people like to mark big milestones with something extravagant, such as a party, a trip, or a special souvenir? Well, JSX has done something even cooler: they’ve just taken delivery of their 50th jet, and to celebrate, they’ve dressed it up in a deliciously retro livery that nods to the golden age of air travel.
The aircraft in question is an Embraer ERJ 145, registered N960JX, which previously flew with ExpressJet before joining the JSX fleet. JSX says the vintage-inspired paint scheme is meant to evoke the “idyllic golden age of air travel” with classic cheat lines, retro fonts, and that sleek mid-20th-century flair.
Some aircraft carry passengers, but this one carries history in the making. We’ve welcomed our 50th airplane to the fleet at JSX, adorned in a retro-inspired livery that honors the idyllic golden age of air travel. It’s a tribute to the legends who shaped the skies before us and a reminder that the future of flight is bold, beautiful, and refreshingly simple.
Ben Kaufman, Senior Director, Customer Experience, Loyalty & PR at JSX via LinkedIn
If I’m being honest…the livery is absolutely stunning. Maybe it’s my British roots showing, but the moment I saw it, I couldn’t help but think of Dan Air London in the 1980s. Some folks online say it looks more like East Germany’s old Interflug livery–which, frankly, I don’t see–but I’ll let them have their fun.
A Bit of JSX Backstory: “Hop-On” and FBO Style
If you’re not already familiar with JSX, you should be. This little Dallas Love Field (DAL)-based airline is truly a disruptor in the semi-private/public charter niche.
You can read more about the JSX story in this article, but for the purpose of this piece, we’ll just cover the basics here.
The airline was founded in 2016 under the name JetSuiteX and rebranded to JSX in 2019. They carved out a niche in the “hop-on public charter” space: you book a seat (like on a regular airline), but the experience leans much closer to private aviation.
It uses a Part 380 public charter/Part 135 hybrid model, where a charter subsidiary (Delux Public Charter) operates the flights under Part 135, and JSX resells seats to the public. This allows it to offer scheduled service under lighter regulatory burdens than Part 121.
One of the most beloved perks of JSX among its passengers is that it operates out of fixed-base operator (FBO) terminals rather than crowded commercial terminals. This means faster check-in (you can check in as little as 20 minutes before departure), fewer security hassles, and a more relaxed, upscale boarding experience (no jetways).
Their fleet is (and has been) largely made up of Embraer ERJ 135s and 145s, retrofitted with 30 seats in a 1-1 configuration, more legroom, in-row power, and free high-speed Starlink WiFi. On board, passengers enjoy complimentary gourmet snacks and beverages.
Alongside its fleet of Embraer jets, JSX is preparing to change things up with a new addition: turboprops.
The carrier has already leased two ATR 42-600s and signed a letter of intent for 15 firm orders and 10 options for either the ATR 42-600 or ATR 72-600, with deliveries expected to start in late 2025 and continue into 2026.
The move opens a whole new world of possibilities for JSX. With the ATR’s short-field capability, the airline will be able to reach airports its jets simply can’t, unlocking new regional markets and smaller destinations. Like its ERJs, the ATRs will feature a 30-seat, single-class cabin, keeping that familiar “hop-on jet service” vibe…just with propellers this time.
Reports suggest JSX is already eyeing Santa Monica Airport (SMO) as one of its first ATR destinations, with service possibly launching as early as 2026.
What That 50th Jet Means and Why the JSX Retro Jet Livery Is More Than Style
You might be asking: Isn’t painting an older jet in retro colors just fun branding? Well, yes. But it also carries meaning.
- Narrative and identity. The JSX retro jet livery helps tell the carrier’s story: while it’s modern, innovative, and nimble, it doesn’t repudiate aviation heritage. The retro design underlines a respect for the romance of flight, tying JSX’s unique business model to aviation’s golden age.
- Emotional engagement. A special livery gives something for people to admire, photos to share, speculation about routes, airports, and appearances. It strengthens customer engagement by connecting people emotionally to the brand.
- Proof of scale. Having 50 jets is no small feat in this niche. Repainting one in a standout livery draws attention to the scale and growth that JSX has achieved. For JSX, it’s a fun way to tell customers: “Hey…we’re established and confident enough to play with style.”
- Operational symbolism. Yes, this JSX retro jet is pretty to look at, but it will also join daily operations just like any other in its fleet. It will fly routes, carry passengers, and help serve their growing demand. But every time it touches down or taxis out, it becomes a little reminder of how far JSX has come and a love letter to the days when air travel was stylish, civilized, and occasionally came with real silverware.
We’ll dig a little deeper into JSX’s brand and business model in an upcoming story. In the meantime, if this splendidly retro ERJ crosses your path–looking every bit like it just taxied out of 1978–do the civilized thing: take a photo and share it with us!
