Electra.aero is expanding its facilities in Manassas, Virginia, and Bleienbach, Switzerland, as the programme to develop the EL9 hybrid-electric regional aircraft progresses.
The Virginia headquarters, a 36,000 square foot facility, has received a new 15,000 square foot hangar and 6,000 square foot office space to house development and engineering teams as the company grows its workforce. In Switzerland, the R&D centre has been expanded to nearly 2,000 square feet.
“Electra is on a mission to transform aviation, and expanding our facilities ensures we can continue attracting the world-class engineering talent to design, develop, and commercialise our groundbreaking EL9,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “We’re giving our teams the resources they need to get our Ultra Short aircraft into the hands of our customers and deliver on the promise of Direct Aviation, making regional air travel more convenient, affordable, and sustainable.”
Currently, flight testing is expected to begin in 2027, with hopes of achieving FAA certification in late 2029 and entry into service by 2030. Electra has over 2,200 provisional orders for the aircraft, offering ultra short take-off and landing capabilities in spaces as short as 150 feet, a feature that could significantly enhance regional access to undeserved airports and even sites such as carparks or fields.
Photo: Electra.aero
