Dallas-based business jet charter operator JetSuite has grounded its all-Embraer fleet—four Phenom 100s and eight Phenom 300s, as reported in October—and furloughed most of its crewmembers as the Covid-19 crisis drags on, according to a statement posted to the company’s website on Thursday. However, sister company JSX (formerly JetSuiteX) appears to be operating its scheduled flights on 15 Embraer ERJ-135s and seven ERJ-145s.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting state of emergency around the country has caused an unforeseeable, dramatic downturn in the entire aviation industry and our business in particular,” it said. “As a result, effective April 15, 2020, we have grounded our fleet and furloughed most of our crewmembers. For those of you who were scheduled to fly this week or in the weeks ahead, please accept our deepest apologies for this sudden, but unavoidable and necessary, cancellation of all flights until further notice.”
JetSuite did not respond to AIN’s multiple inquiries seeking further comment about the shutdown and the apparent continuation of JSX flights since the website for the latter operator does not include a similar statement about fleet grounding and crewmember furloughs. Last year, JetSuite announced plans to expand its fleet offerings beyond the Phenom 100 and 300.