Electra to build $850M Ohio factory for EL9 hybrid-electric plane - Electrek

What the report says

Electrek reported that Electra plans to invest $850 million in its first aircraft manufacturing site, choosing Springfield, Ohio, for production of its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The company said the project at AirPark Ohio, beside Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs and eventually support annual output of as many as 800 aircraft.

According to the report, the EL9 is a nine-passenger fixed-wing aircraft designed for very short takeoffs and landings, using a “blown lift” system with electric propellers pushing air over large flaps. Electra says the aircraft can operate from about 150 feet of runway. The plane remains in development: Electra has applied for FAA Part 23 type certification, and a first flight is expected in late 2027 or early 2028. Electrek noted that the FAA has closed the G-1 Issue Paper, establishing the certification basis.

The factory plan is staged. Design work is starting now, construction is expected next year, and an initial phase would support up to 400 aircraft annually before a later expansion doubles that capacity. Electra said Springfield was selected after a year-long search involving more than 140 sites. The location offers proximity to the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence, SkyVision testing infrastructure, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Electrek framed the move as a major early bet on the aircraft before flight testing. The report also cited Electra’s claimed order interest, including more than 2,200 letters of intent from commercial customers and U.S. government entities, as part of the company’s case for scaling production.