Electra to build $850M Ohio factory for ultra-short hybrid plane

Aircraft startup Electra is committing approximately $850 million to construct a manufacturing facility in Ohio, establishing its first dedicated production hub for hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. This strategic move places Electra in the same state as electric air taxi competitor Joby, which is already developing a large-scale plant in Dayton. Ohio has actively pursued these next-generation aviation companies, offering incentives and infrastructure to secure their operations.

The new factory will focus on producing the company’s EL9 eSTOL aircraft, a nine-passenger hybrid-electric plane designed to operate from very short runways. Electra’s technology blends electric propulsion with a small gasoline generator, extending range and reducing noise compared to traditional aircraft. The company targets markets like regional air mobility, cargo transport, and defense applications, where its ability to land and take off from spaces as small as a soccer field offers a clear advantage over conventional planes and even many eVTOL competitors.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with production aimed to start in the early 2030s. The project could create thousands of jobs, boosting Ohio’s emerging aerospace ecosystem. Electra has already secured significant investment and orders, including a notable deal with JSX for up to 82 aircraft. By choosing Ohio, Electra leverages the state’s skilled workforce and proximity to key aviation supply chains, while also positioning itself alongside Joby in what is becoming a hotbed for advanced air mobility manufacturing.