Elysian Aircraft Relocates to Fokker Site for Electric Aviation Push

Elysian Aircraft Relocates to Fokker Services Group: A Strategic Move for Dutch Clean Aviation

The aviation industry is undergoing a profound transformation as the world grapples with climate change and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. At the heart of this shift is the push for clean aviation — a sector aiming to eliminate harmful emissions from air travel through innovative technologies. One of the most promising players in this space is Elysian Aircraft, a Dutch startup committed to developing large-scale battery-electric aircraft.

In May 2025, Elysian Aircraft announced its relocation to the historic site of Fokker Services Group in Hoofddorp, near Schiphol Airport. This move is more than a change of address; it marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to revolutionize air travel. By embedding itself within the Dutch aviation ecosystem, Elysian is positioning itself at the heart of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in aerospace.

The relocation underscores a growing trend in the aviation industry: the convergence of legacy aerospace expertise with next-generation clean technologies. It also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating the shift toward emission-free flight.

The Significance of Elysian’s Move

Location as a Strategic Advantage

Hoofddorp is not just geographically close to Schiphol Airport—one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs—but also symbolically and practically linked to the legacy of Dutch aerospace innovation. The Fokker site has long been associated with aircraft engineering excellence, and Elysian’s presence there is a nod to that history while signaling a new direction for the future.

For a startup like Elysian, proximity to suppliers, maintenance providers, and regulatory bodies is crucial. The move allows the company to streamline operations, foster real-time collaboration, and leverage existing infrastructure. It also provides room for growth as the company scales its operations and prepares for flight testing and eventual certification.

“Clean aviation is not a solo project. It requires collaboration, and this location is perfect for that,” said Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Co-CEO of Elysian Aircraft. The sentiment reflects a broader industry understanding that partnerships and ecosystem synergies are essential for innovation in sustainable flight.

“We are proud to build the future of flight in a place with such a rich aviation history,” — Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Co-CEO of Elysian Aircraft.

Technological Vision: Battery-Electric Aircraft

Elysian Aircraft is developing what it claims to be the first large-scale battery-electric aircraft capable of flying up to 800 kilometers. This range makes the aircraft suitable for regional routes, which account for a significant portion of global air traffic and emissions. Unlike hybrid or hydrogen solutions, Elysian’s approach is fully electric, aiming for zero operational emissions.

Battery-electric propulsion presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it eliminates fuel combustion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. On the other hand, current battery technologies face limitations in energy density, weight, and range. Elysian’s work is focused on overcoming these hurdles through advanced battery systems, lightweight materials, and aerodynamically efficient designs.

While the company has not yet released detailed technical specifications, its goal aligns with broader industry efforts to decarbonize short-haul aviation. If successful, Elysian’s aircraft could serve as a model for regional air mobility, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-powered planes.

Collaboration with Fokker Services Group

The partnership between Elysian Aircraft and Fokker Services Group is a strategic alignment of capabilities. Fokker Services, known globally for its expertise in aircraft maintenance, modifications, and conversions, brings decades of engineering experience to the table. The company is also actively involved in sustainable aviation projects, including Fokker Next Gen and AeroDelft.

“Elysian Aircraft’s battery-electric solution is distinctive and represents a key initiative to accelerate sustainability in the sector,” noted Roland van Dijk, co-CEO of Fokker Services Group. This endorsement not only validates Elysian’s approach but also signals industry recognition of electric propulsion as a viable path forward.

The collaboration is expected to accelerate development timelines, enhance certification readiness, and open doors to shared testing and validation facilities. It exemplifies how established aerospace firms can support startups in navigating the complex regulatory and technical landscape of aviation innovation.

The Broader Implications for Clean Aviation

Industry Trends and Regulatory Momentum

The aviation sector is under increasing pressure from regulators, investors, and passengers to reduce its environmental footprint. The European Union has set ambitious targets under the European Green Deal, including a 90% reduction in transport emissions by 2050. Initiatives like the EU’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking are channeling public and private funding into next-generation aircraft technologies.

Battery-electric aviation is one of several pathways being explored, alongside hydrogen fuel cells and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). Each has its advantages and limitations, but electric propulsion stands out for its simplicity, lower maintenance costs, and potential for integration with renewable energy sources.

Startups like Elysian are at the forefront of this transition, but they require supportive ecosystems to thrive. Government incentives, research partnerships, and infrastructure investments will play a critical role in determining the pace and scale of adoption.

Challenges and Technical Hurdles

Despite the promise of battery-electric flight, significant challenges remain. Battery energy density remains a limiting factor, with current lithium-ion technologies offering far less energy per kilogram compared to jet fuel. This affects payload, range, and overall aircraft performance.

Thermal management, charging infrastructure, and safety standards are additional hurdles that must be addressed. Certification processes for electric aircraft are still evolving, and regulatory bodies like EASA and the FAA are working to establish frameworks that ensure both innovation and safety.

However, progress is being made. Companies like Pipistrel and Heart Aerospace have already flown electric prototypes, and industry analysts expect commercial electric flights to begin in niche markets within the next decade. Elysian’s entry into this space adds momentum to the movement and brings a uniquely Dutch perspective to the global conversation.

The Role of National Ecosystems

The Netherlands has a strong track record in aerospace engineering and sustainability. Institutions like TU Delft and initiatives such as the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) contribute to a robust innovation pipeline. Elysian’s decision to base itself in Hoofddorp taps into this ecosystem, creating opportunities for talent development, joint research, and supply chain integration.

By aligning with national goals and leveraging existing infrastructure, Elysian is positioning itself not just as a technology developer but as a catalyst for systemic change in aviation. The move also serves as a signal to other startups and investors that the Netherlands is serious about leading in clean aviation.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the importance of regional hubs that support innovation, certification, and commercialization will only grow. Hoofddorp could emerge as one such hub, with Elysian and Fokker at its core.

Conclusion

Elysian Aircraft’s relocation to the Fokker Services Group site in Hoofddorp represents more than a strategic move—it’s a statement of intent. By embedding itself within a legacy-rich, innovation-driven ecosystem, the company is accelerating its mission to deliver battery-electric aircraft for regional air travel.

As the world seeks cleaner, quieter, and more efficient ways to fly, partnerships like the one between Elysian and Fokker will be instrumental. The road ahead is filled with technical and regulatory challenges, but the momentum is undeniable. The future of aviation may very well be electric—and Dutch-engineered.

FAQ

What is Elysian Aircraft developing?
Elysian Aircraft is developing a large-scale battery-electric aircraft designed for regional routes up to 800 kilometers.

Why is the move to Hoofddorp significant?
The relocation places Elysian in a historic and strategic location for aviation, close to Schiphol Airport and within the ecosystem of Fokker Services Group, enhancing collaboration and growth opportunities.

How does Fokker Services Group support clean aviation?
Fokker Services Group contributes through partnerships with sustainable aviation initiatives like Fokker Next Gen, AeroDelft, and now Elysian Aircraft, providing engineering, maintenance, and modification expertise.

Sources: Elysian Aircraft