Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Electra has reached an agreement for Atlas to manufacture and assemble airframes for early examples of its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. Under a partnership announced on Tuesday, the companies said work will begin this month at Atlas’ facilities in Wichita, with the first prototypes of the nine-seater to be delivered in 2027, when flight testing is due to begin.
Atlas has experience in complex assembly work, sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, and composite bonding. Its aerospace clients include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Textron.
While the initial collaboration is focused on Electra’s timeline to achieve Part 23 type certification for the EL9 in 2029, the partners said they are also working on plans to launch scaled commercial production. Virginia-based Electra has committed to making an $850 million investment in a production facility in Springfield, Ohio, that is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs. According to the company, it already holds letters of intent covering more than 2,200 aircraft from more than 60 prospective operators.
According to Electra, the EL9 will be able to take off and land in as little as 150 feet, opening up options for new <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-05-26/electra-report-shows-direct-aviation-market-opportunity">“Direct Aviation” regional air services</a> that do not require airports. The company recently conducted demonstration flights with its subscale EL2 development aircraft <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-08-18/electra-demos-hybrid-electric-flights-three-states">in three U.S. locations,</a> and it is also working with prospective operators abroad, such as in <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-08-28/helsinki-evaluates-hybrid-electric-flight-connections">Finland</a>.
In July, the FAA established the certification basis for the EL9 model, which is expected to serve routes of between 50 and 500 miles. The aircraft’s powertrain will include electric motors and a Safran-provided TG600 turbogenerator.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Atlas Will Build Prototypes for Electra’s EL9 Hybrid-electric Aircraft

Wichita-based aerospace manufacturing group has partnered with the U.S. start-up

As part of efforts to achieve type certification for the nine-seat EL9 hybrid-electric commuter, Electra has contracted Atlas to build early examples.

Atlas Will Build Electra’s EL9 Hybrid-electric Prototypes

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