NEW DESTINATION PARTNERSHIP TAKES FLIGHT

Experience Scottsdale partners with JSX on Scottsdale branded aircraft

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a Scottsdale branded plane!

On Oct. 7, an aircraft decorated with cacti-dotted mountains and a Sonoran Desert sunrise landed at Scottsdale Airport. The flight, carrying 30 passengers from Hollywood Burbank Airport, was the first of many for the Scottsdale-branded plane, part of a new, two-year partnership between Experience Scottsdale and JSX, the semi-private airline that has flown out of Scottsdale Airport since 2024.

Over the next two years, Experience Scottsdale will collaborate on initiatives reaching JSX’s 1 million regular travelers. The aircraft is one of the most visible elements of the marketing campaign, which aims to inspire travelers flying the airline’s network to experience the destination for themselves. JSX serves nine direct flight markets out of Scottsdale, including Burbank.

“One of the most effective ways we reach the luxury consumer is by partnering with premier travel brands like JSX,” said Experience Scottsdale President and CEO Rachel Sacco. “Their customer base aligns closely with the high-end travelers we’re hoping to reach, and we’re excited for this partnership that will position Scottsdale as the premier choice for a luxury escape.”

Boarding the flight were members of the media, content creators and luxury travel advisors. Scottsdale Senior Director of Tourism & Economic Development Kevin Burke and Scottsdale Vice Mayor Maryann McAllen, who serves as the council liaison for Experience Scottsdale’s board of directors, joined Sacco and Experience Scottsdale staff to educate the media and clients about the destination’s offerings, helping produce media coverage and social posts, as well as sell future Scottsdale vacations.

During a pre-flight activation at the JSX Burbank hangar, Experience Scottsdale shared information about Scottsdale while serving desert-inspired treats from Scottsdale Cookie Co. and hosting Western-themed activities, including a leather embossing station for luggage tags and passport covers.

“I felt such immense pride in our city as I saw Scottsdale so beautifully represented on the runway, and I know residents will feel the same whenever they see the plane flying to and from Scottsdale Airport,” said McAllen. “It was an honor to join Experience Scottsdale for this trip and witness firsthand how they share their enthusiasm for Scottsdale with potential visitors.”

Once boarded and upon landing, the passengers received additional Scottsdale-themed gifts and information, including candles from Scottsdale-based Light + Bark Candle Co., copies of the Scottsdale Visitor Guide and the City of Scottsdale’s Old Town Passports, and teal cowboy hats branded with Experience Scottsdale’s agave logo.

Inspired by a travel superstition, Experience Scottsdale designed a horseshoe on the doorframe of the plane. As future JSX passengers board, they will tap the horseshoe for good luck. The design includes a QR code, allowing one lucky traveler the chance to win a prize each month.

“Our partnership with Experience Scottsdale is rooted in a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience and bringing more people closer to everything the area has to offer,” said JSX President David Drabinsky. “Scottsdale has become a cornerstone of the JSX network, and together we’re making it easier than ever to visit with the speed and convenience of flying JSX directly into Scottsdale Airport. We’re thrilled to deepen our roots here and find new, creative ways to introduce even more customers to this incredible destination.”

Over the next two years, Experience Scottsdale will collaborate with JSX on additional activations, content creator trips, and flash sales. In June, JSX offered a 48-flash sale that provided customers 50% off their flight if they traveled to Scottsdale through Sept. 30. The sale resulted in over 5,100 booked flights for the summer, helping drive visitation during Scottsdale’s need period.

The ongoing partnership between Experience Scottsdale and JSX has the potential to increase visitation, support local businesses and reinforce Scottsdale’s appeal among travelers seeking premier travel service and upscale travel experiences in the years to come.