Electra.aero and Bristow Group EL9 Launch Agreement

Advanced air mobility company headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, founded in 2020. Electra is pioneering Direct Aviation with hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft that take off and land in as little as 150 feet using blown-lift and distributed electric propulsion. The EL9 Ultra Short is a nine-passenger aircraft powered by the Safran TG600 turbogenerator. Over 2,200 aircraft on pre-order from 60+ operators worldwide. Electra is investing $850M to build an advanced production facility in Springfield, Ohio (announced July 2026, creating 1,975 jobs, targeting up to 800 aircraft/year). Strategic investors include [Lockheed martin](/companies/lockheed-martin) Ventures, Honeywell Aerospace, and Safran. FAA Part 23 type certification in progress (G-1 Issue Paper closed). First flight anticipated late 2027 or early 2028. Bristow Group launch agreement. Defense applications for Agile Combat Employment.