US Part 135 air carrier JSX has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Florida-based Skyborne Airline Academy to supply first officers for its Embraer ERJ fleet.

The MOU allows Skyborne to provide experienced former flight instructors the opportunity to fill first officer positions at JSX, once they meet JSX's strict hiring standards such as having achieved at least 1,000 total flight hours and 50 hours of multi-engine time. This agreement helps JSX source qualified pilots while giving Skyborne CFIs the opportunity to enrich their professional experience with a US Part 135 air carrier.

JSX vice president of flight operations captain Mike Anderson adds: “Skyborne's thorough trainee selection process and impressive standard of training stand apart as concrete measures for producing professional and highly skilled pilots. With this partnership, we will further our mutual training and hiring objectives for future pilots in the aviation industry to cultivate first officers who are well-prepared for the flight deck.”

JSX owns a fleet of 77 Embraer ERJ jets and provides public charter service to a growing network of popular destinations across the United States. The agreement between JSX and Skyborne was effective from 22 April, 2022.

Skyborne managing director Captain Ed Davidson says: “Our agreement with JSX marks the first time Skyborne has partnered with a charter operator, and we're delighted to be supporting the business aviation industry. With more people flying privately in the US than ever before, relationships like this help address the demand for well-trained pilots.

“JSX is well-known in the industry for delivering exceptional service, so we are very pleased our CFIs will have another avenue of employment with a trusted partner that shares our drive for excellence.”