Manassas, Va. and Wichita, Kan. – September 18, 2026 -- Electra and The Atlas Group have signed an airframe manufacturing agreement for the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, with Atlas set to build and assemble airframes for Electra's flight test and certification program starting this month.
Atlas begins airframe production this month with first deliveries targeted for 2027
Work commences at Atlas facilities immediately, feeding Electra's certification campaign for the nine-passenger hybrid-electric EL9, which is designed to take off and land in as little as 150 feet. The two companies will jointly mature production architecture and reduce manufacturing risk ahead of scaled output.
"Realizing this vision requires more than a breakthrough aircraft; it requires the ability to build and deliver it with the consistency and scale of an advanced production system," said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra.
FAA certification basis and Safran turbogenerator deal precede the Atlas partnership
The agreement follows the FAA's formal establishment in July of the EL9's certification basis, covering distributed hybrid-electric propulsion, blown lift for ultra-short takeoff and landing, and fly-by-wire controls. Electra has also secured a life-of-program development and production agreement with Safran for the TG600 turbogenerator powering the aircraft.
Springfield, Ohio facility anchors an $850 million production buildout
Electra has selected Springfield, Ohio for its first EL9 production facility, representing an $850 million investment expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs and support output of up to 800 aircraft annually once at full rate.
Demand backlog reaches 2,200 provisional orders from more than 60 operators
Electra's Direct Aviation Market Outlook identifies roughly 35 million daily passenger trips across U.S. regional routes spanning 50 to 500 miles, a segment the company says is underserved by existing air and road options. Electra estimates the modeled market between 2030 and 2040 will require 12,000 to 16,000 EL9 aircraft.
The company has logged more than 2,200 provisional aircraft orders from over 60 operators worldwide. Bristow Group has entered a pre-delivery payment agreement securing the first EL9 delivery slot for five aircraft, with options for 45 more, contingent on certification. Electra is targeting entry into commercial service in 2030.