Public charter carriers, including JSX, will now be required to screen passengers like standard commercial airlines under new rules introduced by the TSA.
The procedures may also extend to public charter operators like Contour and Aero, and potentially SkyWest if it proceeds with plans to operate commuter flights under its own brand using public air charter authority.
“TSA, in close consultation with DOT and FAA, determined this program change to be a prudent step in addressing potential aviation security risks,” the agency stated.
Under the new regulations, public charter operators must comply with TSA’s Persons and Accessible Property screening requirements, similar to those enforced at standard TSA checkpoints for commercial travel.
Growth of Public Charter Model
Public air charters, led by JSX, have flourished in recent years, operating out of private terminals but maintaining regular flight schedules. JSX now serves 25 airports, offering travelers the convenience of arriving at terminals less than 30 minutes before departure.
Despite their growth, public charters, which are limited to flights with no more than 30 passengers, have previously not been subjected to full TSA screening, though they were under TSA oversight.
To implement the changes, TSA is providing operators with a timeline to train staff, procure equipment, and coordinate with affected airports on the new requirements.
New TSA Rules Timeline
These changes will take effect in six months, as first reported by the newsletter Private Jet Card Comparisons, citing an email from the National Air Transportation Association. The rules will not apply to scheduled operators utilizing planes with fewer than 10 seats, such as Tradewind Aviation.
JSX has expressed its support for TSA’s measures. “JSX is proud of its outstanding security record and has modeled an industry-leading approach to aviation security for nearly eight years, having voluntarily invested millions of dollars into its comprehensive security program since inception,” the company said in a statement.
In a 2023 op-ed for Travel Weekly, JSX CEO Alex Wilcox highlighted the carrier’s advanced security protocols, which include explosive trace detection and secondary ID verification at boarding.
These new TSA regulations are part of a broader effort by regulators to address public charter operations. The FAA is also pursuing rules requiring public air charters to follow commercial airline pilot training standards and enforce the same mandatory retirement age of 65.
Source: Swifteradio.com
