Hybrid aircraft that's earned $9bn in pre-orders and only needs 150ft of runway to take off could revolutionize air transport
Published on Jun 29, 2025 at 8:59 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Jun 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
The Electra EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) hybrid aircraft has already attracted $9 billion in orders and could be a game-changer for the industry.
Virginia-based aviation startup Electra unveiled its EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft last November.
The company says the aircraft will help ‘unlock a new era of air travel’.
In addition to being quieter and more affordable than other aircraft options, the plane’s design allows it to take off or land from just 150 feet.
DISCOVER SBX CARS – The global premium auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Electra has secured 2,200 pre-orders for the EL9 hybrid aircraft
We’re currently seeing a whole lot of evolution when it comes to the Advanced Air Mobility industry.
In recent months, we’ve seen French-based Beyond Aero getting ready to launch the world’s first hydrogen-powered business electric jet, Joby Aviation becoming the first company to perform pilot-on-board transitions, and even an eVTOL race.
That eVTOL race is well worth your time, by the way.
Meanwhile, Electra has been working away on its EL9 Ultra Short aircraft.
The impressive aircraft uses blown lift and hybrid-electric propulsion, which means it doesn’t require a traditional runway to take off or land.
In fact, the clever little craft needs just 150 feet, meaning it can take off or land from fields and car parks as well as airports and helipads.
The Electra EL9 will be able to carry up to nine passengers, or 3,000lbs (1,361kg) of cargo, distances of up to 1,266 miles (2,037km), and can hit a speed of around 200mph (322km/h). Impressive, right?
In fact, it’s so impressive that Electra has secured 2,200 pre-orders, worth just under $9 billion.
That’s one of the largest pre-order lists in the industry.
Electra CEO Marc Allen has said the aircraft will help usher in a new age of air travel that is ‘as transformative as it’s practical’.
“Our customers see the EL9 aircraft as a true game-changer, and they’re using its ultra-short takeoff capabilities to open the door to new routes in areas with space and noise constraints,” he said.
“Together, we’re enabling a fundamental leap forward in advanced air mobility.”
The company is working with Lockheed Martin
The company says test flights for the hybrid aircraft are set to kick off in 2027, with certification and commercial service entry slated for 2029.
While the company has already got an impressive number of pre-orders, it has also recently announced it will be working with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to explore ways to speed up the development of the Electra EL9 in areas including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment, and global business development.
“Lockheed Martin’s breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra’s EL9 commercialization strategy,” Allen said.
“This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9’s transformative capabilities to our military customers.”
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
