Technology & Innovation
Electra.aero Begins FAA Certification for EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Electra.aero applies for FAA Part 23 certification of EL9 hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft with prototype flight planned in 2027 and service in 2029.
This article is based on an official press release from Electra aero.
Electra aero has officially submitted its application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Part 23 type certification of its EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. This regulatory filing marks a critical transition for the Virginia-based manufacturer, moving the program from technology demonstration into the formal compliance phase required for commercial operations.
According to the company’s announcement on December 10, 2025, the EL9 is a nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft designed for extremely short takeoffs and landings (eSTOL). By entering the certification process, Electra aims to validate its proprietary “blown lift” technology and hybrid propulsion system under the FAA’s modernized airworthiness standards.
The company has outlined a timeline targeting the first flight of a conforming prototype in 2027, with certification and entry into commercial service projected for 2029. Electra reports a substantial backlog for the aircraft, citing over 2,000 pre-orders valued at more than $8 billion from customers including the Bristow Group and various regional carriers.
The EL9 is engineered to operate in a market segment distinct from both traditional helicopters and emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Electra describes the aircraft as an eSTOL platform capable of taking off and landing in spaces as small as 150 feet (approximately 45 meters). This capability is central to the company’s “Direct Aviation” model, which seeks to utilize infrastructure such as parking lots, barges, and small airfields rather than relying solely on major commercial airports.
Unlike fully electric competitors that require ground-based charging infrastructure, the EL9 utilizes a hybrid-electric powertrain. A turbogenerator charges the batteries in-flight, which powers eight electric motors distributed along the wing’s leading edge. This configuration allows the aircraft to refuel using standard aviation fuel, eliminating the immediate need for grid upgrades at remote landing sites.
According to technical specifications released by the manufacturer, the EL9 offers the following performance metrics:
The aircraft’s short runway performance is achieved through “blown lift” aerodynamics. The distributed electric motors blow air over the wings at high velocity, generating significant lift even at low airspeeds. This allows the EL9 to operate safely at speeds as low as 35 knots, facilitating its ultra-short field performance.
Electra’s application falls under 14 CFR Part 23, the FAA’s set of airworthiness standards for small airplanes. Following Amendment 23-64, these regulations shifted from prescriptive design requirements to performance-based standards. This regulatory framework is essential for integrating novel technologies like distributed electric propulsion, though it often requires manufacturers to define “Special Conditions” with the FAA to prove safety compliance for high-voltage battery systems. The submission of the Part 23 application places Electra in direct competition with other hybrid-electric regional aircraft developers, though their operational profiles differ. Competitors such as Sweden’s Heart Aerospace and France’s Aura Aero are developing larger regional aircraft (the ES-30 and ERA, respectively) that require standard runways. By contrast, Electra’s eSTOL capability targets the gap between these regional fixed-wing aircraft and vertical-lift helicopters.
From an infrastructure perspective, Electra’s choice of a hybrid-electric system offers a strategic deployment advantage. While pure electric aircraft are tethered to the rollout of high-power charging stations, the EL9’s ability to use existing fuel supply chains means it can theoretically enter service immediately upon certification without waiting for airport electrification projects to mature. However, the complexity of certifying a novel blown-lift system alongside a hybrid powertrain remains a significant engineering and regulatory hurdle to clearing the 2029 target.
What is the difference between eSTOL and eVTOL? When will the EL9 enter service? Does the EL9 require electric charging stations?
Electra aero Initiates FAA Certification for EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Technical Specifications and “Direct Aviation”
Propulsion and Performance
Blown Lift Technology
Regulatory and Competitive Landscape
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft take off vertically like helicopters. eSTOL (electric Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, like the EL9, require a very short runway (approx. 150 feet) but generally offer higher payload capacity and longer range than eVTOLs.
Electra targets certification and commercial entry into service by 2029, with a prototype first flight planned for 2027.
No. The aircraft uses a hybrid-electric system where an onboard turbogenerator charges the batteries, allowing it to refuel with standard aviation fuel.
Sources
Photo Credit: Electra aero
Sustainable Aviation
EVIO Inc Launches EVIO 810 Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft Program
EVIO Inc. debuts the EVIO 810 hybrid-electric regional aircraft with 450 pre-orders, supported by Boeing and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
This article is based on an official press release from EVIO Inc. and verified industry data.
Montreal-based aerospace company EVIO Inc. has officially launched its EVIO 810 hybrid-electric regional aircraft program, marking a significant shift in the sustainable aviation landscape. According to the company’s announcement, the program enters the market with substantial momentum, securing 450 conditional pre-orders from two undisclosed major Airlines. These commitments are split between 250 firm orders and 200 options.
The launch is bolstered by strategic investment and technical support from Boeing, alongside a propulsion collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada. The EVIO 810 is a “clean-sheet” design targeting the 76-to-100-seat market, a segment that has seen limited innovation in recent decades. The aircraft aims to replace aging regional turboprops and jets with a solution that balances operational reality with aggressive decarbonization goals, targeting an entry into service (EIS) in the early 2030s.
The EVIO 810 is positioned as a regional hybrid-electric airliner designed to address the “replacement crisis” facing regional fleets. Unlike smaller electric concepts, this aircraft is sized to handle standard regional routes with a capacity of 76 to 100 passengers.
At the core of the EVIO 810 is a “Strong Hybrid” propulsion architecture. According to technical details released by the company, this system allows the aircraft to operate in fully Electric-Aviation mode during specific flight phases,such as taxiing, takeoff, landing, and short-range flights of approximately 100 nautical miles (185 km). For longer missions, the turbine engines engage to extend range and recharge batteries.
The aircraft features four wing-mounted nacelles. Each houses a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E turbine engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack. This configuration aims to deliver:
EVIO’s rapid ascent from a “stealth” entity to a major industry player is underpinned by high-profile Partnerships. Boeing has stepped in as a strategic investor, providing both capital and technical services to assist with certification and manufacturing scaling. Simultaneously, the collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada leverages the legendary reliability of the PT6 engine family, a move designed to reduce the technical risk associated with unproven propulsion systems.
The company is led by CEO Michael Derman and CTO Luc Van Bavel. The Board of Directors includes notable industry veterans such as Rob Dewar, widely recognized as the “Father of the CSeries” (now the Airbus A220), and Frank Cappuccio, former EVP of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
“The EVIO 810 represents a pragmatic evolution in regional aviation, combining proven turbine reliability with the efficiency of electric propulsion,” the company stated in its release materials.
The launch of the EVIO 810 addresses a critical gap in the aviation market. As major manufacturers like Airbus and Embraer focus on larger jets (100+ seats), the sub-100-seat market has been largely reliant on aging platforms like the De Havilland Dash 8 and ATR series. Airlines are under increasing pressure to decarbonize short-haul flights, which are disproportionately carbon-intensive on a per-passenger basis. EVIO’s approach differs significantly from competitors like Heart Aerospace, which targets the 30-seat commuter market. By aiming for up to 100 seats, EVIO places itself in direct competition with traditional regional jets and the upcoming Maeve M80. The sheer volume of the initial order book,450 aircraft,suggests strong interest from the world’s largest regional carriers, potentially including operators like SkyWest or major airline subsidiaries looking to hedge against rising fuel costs and carbon taxes.
When will the EVIO 810 enter service? Who provides the engines for the aircraft? What is the range of the aircraft? Is the aircraft fully electric?
EVIO Inc. Debuts Hybrid-Electric Program with Boeing Backing and 450 Pre-Orders
The EVIO 810: Technical Specifications
Propulsion and Performance
Strategic Partnerships and Leadership
AirPro News Analysis: The Regional Market Gap
Frequently Asked Questions
The company targets entry into service (EIS) in the early 2030s.
The propulsion system utilizes Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E turbine engines integrated with electric motors.
The aircraft is optimized for routes between 200 and 300 nautical miles but is capable of flying up to 500 nautical miles.
No, it uses a “Strong Hybrid” system. It can fly fully electric for short distances (approx. 100 nm) and uses turbine power for cruise and longer ranges.
Sources
Photo Credit: EVIO Inc.
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Unveils Valo and UK Electric Air Taxi Network for 2029
Vertical Aerospace announces the Valo eVTOL and plans UK’s first electric air taxi network launching in 2029, with flights from Canary Wharf to Heathrow.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.
On December 9, 2025, Vertical Aerospace announced a strategic consortium to launch the United Kingdom’s first electric air taxi network. In partnership with infrastructure developer Skyports Infrastructure and operator Bristow Group, the Bristol-based manufacturer aims to commence commercial operations in the first quarter of 2029. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of “Valo,” Vertical’s new commercial-grade eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft.
According to the company’s press release, the network will center on a primary hub at Canary Wharf in London. The initiative is designed to drastically reduce transit times between the financial district and major transport nodes. For example, the partners project a flight time of approximately 12 minutes between Canary Wharf and Heathrow Airport, a journey that typically takes 60 to 90 minutes by road.
The timeline for the project hinges on regulatory approval. Vertical Aerospace is targeting Type Certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2028, paving the way for commercial service the following year.
Replacing the previous VX4 prototype, the newly unveiled “Valo” represents Vertical Aerospace’s production-intent aircraft. The design incorporates data gathered during the company’s flight test campaigns, resulting in significant aerodynamic and structural changes aimed at commercial viability.
The aircraft is a piloted eVTOL designed to carry four passengers. According to specifications released by the company, Valo features a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h) and a maximum range of 100 miles (161 km). The company emphasizes the aircraft’s low noise profile, stating it operates at less than 50 dBA in cruise, making it significantly quieter than traditional helicopters.
Vertical Aerospace highlighted several key engineering updates in the Valo design:
Regarding safety, the manufacturer stated they are targeting a $10^{-9}$ safety level, a standard equivalent to that of commercial airliners.
“Valo is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality, clean, quiet, fast, and engineered for everyday service. Electric flight will transform how cities move, and London is one of the best places in the world to prove it.”
, Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace
The partnership divides responsibilities among three distinct entities to create a functional Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem. Vertical Aerospace will transition from prototype developer to aerospace manufacturer, responsible for the production and certification of the Valo fleet.
Skyports Infrastructure will manage the ground component. Their role involves designing, building, and operating the vertiports required for take-off and landing. Key assets in this network include the existing London Heliport and a newly planned facility at Bicester Motion.
Bristow Group, a global leader in vertical flight solutions, will serve as the operator. Utilizing its existing Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), Bristow will handle pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and passenger logistics.
“With Bristow’s operational strength, we can accelerate plans for electric air taxi routes across the region, with the plan to create a UK-wide network.”
, Chris Bradshaw, CEO of Bristow Group
To support the launch, Vertical Aerospace commissioned an independent report by Frontier Economics. The report projects that the venture could generate £3 billion ($3.8 billion) annually for the UK economy by 2035. Furthermore, the ecosystem is expected to create over 2,000 high-skilled jobs within the sector.
While the initial focus remains on the Canary Wharf to Heathrow route, the consortium has outlined plans for expansion. Future destinations include Gatwick Airport, Cambridge, Oxford, and the new vertiport in Bicester.
The shift from the VX4 prototype to the “Valo” branding signals a critical maturity phase for Vertical Aerospace. By locking in a production design, the company is moving away from experimental iteration toward the rigid demands of certification. However, the target date of Q1 2029 for commercial launch remains aggressive.
While the UK CAA has published policy consultations aligning with a 2028 start for eVTOL operations, the certification process for novel electric aircraft remains complex. Vertical Aerospace is currently in Phase 4 of its flight test program (piloted transition flights). The success of this timeline will depend heavily on the speed of regulatory validation and the ability of infrastructure partners like Skyports to secure real estate and planning permissions in dense urban environments like Canary Wharf. When will the service launch? How fast is the Valo aircraft? Who will fly the aircraft? What is the range of the aircraft?
Vertical Aerospace Unveils “Valo” and Plans UK Air Taxi Network for 2029
Introducing the “Valo” Aircraft
Design and Safety Specifications
Operational Ecosystem and Partners
Economic Impact and Future Routes
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The partners are targeting a commercial launch in Q1 2029, following expected certification in 2028.
The aircraft has a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).
The Valo is a piloted aircraft. Bristow Group will provide professional pilots and manage flight operations.
The Valo has a stated range of up to 100 miles (161 km).
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Saudi Arabia and Archer Partner to Launch Electric Air Taxi Operations
Saudi GACA partners with Archer Aviation to implement FAA-modeled eVTOL regulations, aiming to deploy electric air taxis in urban and tourism areas.
This article is based on an official press release from Archer Aviation.
Saudi Arabia’s national aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), has officially signed an agreement with Archer Aviation to establish a comprehensive regulatory pathway for the deployment of eVTOL aircraft within the Kingdom. This partnership marks a significant step toward commercializing electric air taxi services in the region, aligning with the nation’s broader Vision 2030 initiative.
According to the company’s announcement, GACA intends to model its regulatory framework on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s and Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) eVTOL Implementation Pilot Program (eIPP). By adopting this established model, Saudi regulators aim to facilitate early operational testing and certification, targeting commercial launches in key urban centers and tourism developments.
The core of this agreement involves GACA leveraging the U.S. eIPP framework to create a “sandbox” environment for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The eIPP is designed to allow private companies to partner with government entities to test technologies in controlled environments before scaling up to full commercial operations.
Under this agreement, Archer and GACA will collaborate on:
By utilizing the eIPP model, GACA seeks to avoid the delays often associated with creating aviation Regulations from scratch. Instead, the regulator plans to “import” a mature, safety-first testing framework that accelerates the timeline for integrating Archer’s “Midnight” aircraft into Saudi airspace.
The deployment strategy outlined in the agreement focuses on two primary sectors: high-end tourism and urban mobility. The initial “sandbox” testing is expected to take place within the Kingdom’s “gigaprojects,” specifically Red Sea Global.
Archer has previously established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Helicopter Company (THC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Red Sea Global. The goal is to utilize eVTOLs to replace ground transport and conventional Helicopters flights. For example, trips between the Red Sea International Airport and remote island resorts, which currently take 60 to 90 minutes by car, could be reduced to approximately 10 to 20 minutes via electric air taxi.
Beyond tourism, the agreement targets major metropolitan areas such as Riyadh and Jeddah. With Riyadh’s population projected to grow significantly by 2030, GACA views eVTOLs as a critical “first and last mile” solution to alleviate traffic congestion. These services are intended to connect city centers with major transport hubs, such as King Khalid International Airport and the King Abdullah Financial District. We observe that Saudi Arabia is pursuing a distinct “fast-follower” strategy in the Advanced Air Mobility sector. By explicitly aligning its regulatory pathway with the U.S. FAA’s eIPP, GACA is effectively removing one of the largest barriers to entry for Western eVTOL Manufacturers: regulatory fragmentation.
This move also highlights the Kingdom’s multi-vendor approach to securing market leadership. While this agreement advances Archer’s position, GACA has also engaged with competitors such as Joby Aviation. This suggests that the Saudi market will likely remain open and competitive, rather than exclusive to a single manufacturer. For Archer, the ability to test in the harsh desert environments of the Kingdom will serve as a critical validation of the “Midnight” aircraft’s thermal management and durability, data that will be valuable for Certification efforts globally.
While specific launch dates for full commercial service remain dependent on successful certification, the adoption of the eIPP model suggests an aggressive timeline. Industry reports indicate that initial commercial operations in the Red Sea region could begin as early as 2026, with scaled operations in major cities following closer to 2028.
The agreement underscores the role of the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and modernize transportation infrastructure. By facilitating the entry of electric air taxis, GACA is positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in sustainable aviation technology.
Saudi Arabia’s GACA Partners with Archer to Fast-Track Electric Air Taxi Operations
Adopting the “Crawl-Walk-Run” Regulatory Model
Strategic Deployment: From Red Sea to Riyadh
Tourism and Connectivity
Urban Air Mobility
AirPro News Analysis
Timeline and Future Outlook
Sources
Photo Credit: Archer Aviation
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