Electra plans to build its first EL9 Ultra Short production site in Clark County, an $850 million project that the company says would create 1,975 jobs. Gov. Mike DeWine signed a proclamation welcoming Electra to the Miami Valley on Wednesday during an event at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport.
Springfield was first announced in July as the chosen location, at the Farnborough International Airshow in England. Electra reviewed more than 140 possible sites during a year-long search before selecting AirPark Ohio, next to the airport. Design work is underway for a 96-acre facility, and construction is expected to start next year.
The first phase is projected to support as many as 400 aircraft a year; a second phase would aim for 800 annually. Electra describes the EL9 as a nine-passenger, fixed-wing aircraft with hybrid-electric propulsion and blown-lift technology, able to take off and land in about 150 feet. CEO Marc Allen cited the region's workforce, aerospace experience and infrastructure. JobsOhio's J.P. Nauseef pointed to collaboration and regional aviation assets; Jeff Hoagland of the Dayton Development Coalition said the event allowed leaders to celebrate the commitment. The project figures and timelines are plans or projections.