<abstract><p>This paper revealed new fractional calculus applications of special functions in the geometric function theory. The aim of the study presented here was to introduce and begin the investigations on a new fractional calculus integral operator defined as the fractional integral of order $ \lambda $ for the Bessel function of the first kind. The focus of this research was on obtaining certain geometric properties that give necessary and sufficient univalence conditions for the new fractional calculus operator using the methods associated to differential subordination theory, also referred to as admissible functions theory, developed by Sanford S. Miller and Petru T. Mocanu. The paper discussed, in the proved theorems and corollaries, conditions that the fractional integral of the Bessel function of the first kind must comply in order to be a part of the sets of starlike functions, positive and negative order starlike functions, convex functions, positive and negative order convex functions, and close-to-convex functions, respectively. The geometric properties proved for the fractional integral of the Bessel function of the first kind recommend this function as a useful tool for future developments, both in geometric function theory in general, as well as in differential subordination and superordination theories in particular.</p></abstract>