The company announced Tuesday that the new factory will assemble its EL9 Ultra Short, a nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft designed for short-distance regional travel, while creating 1,975 jobs in the process, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.
The investment marks a major milestone for Electra as it seeks to scale production of aircraft capable of operating from extremely short landing areas, opening new possibilities for regional air transportation.
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The EL9 combines fixed-wing design with hybrid-electric propulsion, allowing it to take off and land in as little as 150 feet. The aircraft is intended to serve routes of up to 250 miles, offering an alternative to car travel for many short-distance journeys.
Electra describes the concept as “Direct Aviation,” envisioning aircraft operating from unconventional locations such as parking lots, barges and sports fields rather than relying solely on traditional airports.
The company said the Ohio facility’s initial production phase will have the capacity to manufacture up to 400 aircraft annually, supporting the transition from prototype development to large-scale commercial manufacturing.
Before entering service, however, the EL9 must receive certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Electra expects the aircraft’s first flight to take place in late 2027 or 2028 as it advances through the certification process.
The startup has attracted backing from several major aerospace and defense companies, including Honeywell, Safran Corporate Ventures and Lockheed Martin Ventures, reflecting growing investor interest in hybrid-electric aviation technologies.
As aviation companies race to develop cleaner and more efficient aircraft, Electra’s latest investment underscores increasing confidence that hybrid-electric propulsion could play a significant role in the future of short-haul air travel.
