Electra to Build $850 Million Aircraft Plant in Ohio

During the Farnborough International Airshow in England, Electra announced plans to establish its corporate headquarters and first production facility for the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft in Springfield, Ohio. The company will invest between $850 million and $1 billion to develop a one-million-square-foot facility on a 96-acre site at AirPark Ohio, adjacent to the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport.

The project will create 1,975 jobs for engineers, mechanics, and technicians with an estimated average salary of $92,000. The facility will produce hybrid-electric, nine-passenger aircraft designed for point-to-point travel from non-traditional sites. Initial production targets are 400 aircraft per year, with plans to scale to 800 in later phases.

Electra selected the Dayton-Springfield region following a year-long national search, citing the area's aerospace infrastructure and proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Construction is expected to begin as early as 2025 or 2027, with the company moving into the facility by 2028. The first flight of the EL9 is projected for late 2027 or early 2028. A $115 million Series B funding round led by Prysm Capital, L.P. will support pre-production and certification.