Introduction to the Electra EL9

The Electra EL9 is a hybrid-electric business aircraft with short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities currently in development. Designed by the American company Electra.aero, this 9-seat aircraft promises to usher in a new era of sustainable regional air mobility. Thanks to an innovative combination of hybrid propulsion and increased lift (blown wing technology), the EL9 is capable of taking off and landing in as little as 150 feet (approximately 46 meters)—roughly the length of a small football field—while generating very little noise and emissions. Electra’s goal is to offer an aircraft with the accessibility of a helicopter, combined with the safety, simplicity, and economic efficiency of a fixed-wing airplane. In other words, the EL9 aims to revolutionize business aviation by enabling cleaner, quieter point-to-point regional flights that bring travelers closer to their destinations, making it ideal for green and efficient regional mobility.

Innovative Hybrid-Electric STOL Technology

The ultra-short takeoff capability of the EL9 is based on the blown wing principle. Eight electric propellers are distributed along the leading edge of the wing, continuously blowing air over the wing and large high-lift flaps. This accelerated airflow dramatically increases lift at low speeds, allowing the aircraft to take off at approximately 35 knots (around 65 km/h). In practice, this means that the EL9 can bypass traditional runways and operate from very confined areas for both takeoff and landing. Electra claims a takeoff distance of just 150 feet (46 m) thanks to this system, and during tests with the two-seat demonstrator EL-2 “Goldfinch,” landings were recorded at distances of less than 35 meters. This blown-wing configuration provides the EL9 with operational flexibility comparable to that of a helicopter, while eliminating its main drawbacks. In fact, the aircraft is certified as a conventional turboprop, which simplifies its development, yet it achieves short-field performance with 100 times less noise and at costs up to 70% lower than an equivalent helicopter. Tests have shown that the two-seat prototype produces only about 55 dB of noise at 150 meters altitude (comparable to the sound level of a normal conversation), versus approximately 75 dB for a conventional aircraft. Thanks to its electric propulsion, the EL9 will be able to operate almost silently near urban areas or noise-sensitive airports. In summary, the EL9 combines short takeoff capability, low noise, enhanced safety (thanks to multiple electric motor redundancies), and low operating costs without requiring special infrastructure—a winning formula for sustainable business aviation.

Technical Specifications and Performance of the EL9

In addition to its exceptional STOL design, the Electra EL9 boasts impressive technical performance for a regional aircraft. Below are the key figures and current specifications:

• Hybrid-Electric Propulsion:
  The EL9 is equipped with a small turbo-generator (combustion turbine) coupled with four batteries that power eight electric motors distributed along the wing. This hybrid system allows the batteries to be recharged in-flight and provides electric power during critical phases, eliminating the need for ground recharging. The turbo-generator can run on conventional aviation fuel or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and it can even be adapted for synthetic biofuels. This enables the aircraft to fly in a purely electric mode over short distances (zero local emissions) and to use the hybrid mode for longer routes or in areas lacking energy infrastructure.

• Capacity and Payload:
  The EL9 will be able to carry 9 passengers (in a business configuration, with two pilots or single-pilot if applicable) along with their luggage, or it can be configured to carry up to 3,000 lbs (≈1,360 kg) of cargo in a freighter version. With its 9 seats, it falls within the light aircraft category (Part 23) suitable for regional business aviation and commuter routes.

• Range:
  Thanks to its optimized hybrid propulsion, the EL9 offers a maximum range of approximately 1,100 nautical miles (≈2,040 km) in a ferry configuration with IFR reserves. On a typical passenger mission, it can cover around 330 nm (≈611 km) while carrying its maximum payload. This range is remarkable for a hybrid-electric aircraft, significantly surpassing that of purely electric projects and covering most point-to-point regional routes.

• Cruise Speed:
  The planned cruise speed is around 175 knots (≈324 km/h), equivalent to that of a light turboprop. This enables the EL9 to connect regional cities significantly faster than ground travel (5 times faster than an average 100 nm road journey), while maintaining much lower fuel consumption compared to conventional aircraft of similar size.

• STOL Performance:
  The takeoff and landing performance is exceptional: approximately 150 ft (46 m) for takeoff and 115 ft (35 m) for landing, as measured during tests with the blown wing and fully deployed flaps. In operation, Electra aims for a ground footprint equivalent to a 90 x 30 m square—about one-tenth the length of a standard runway—thus allowing the use of very short or rudimentary runways (grass fields, isolated areas) that are impractical for conventional jets.

• Noise and Emissions:
  The EL9 will be much quieter compared to current business aircraft, with a noise level of around 75 dB at 300 ft (91 m) during takeoff—comparable to road traffic noise. During cruise, its noise footprint will be negligible, making it ideal for discreet operations near densely populated areas or during extended hours. Additionally, its hybrid configuration allows for a 40% reduction in fuel consumption on a typical regional route (≈185 km) compared to a conventional aircraft. By using SAF, its carbon footprint could be drastically reduced, making the EL9 one of the most eco-friendly business aircraft in its class.

Certification and Timeline

Electra has already conducted over a year of flight tests on its two-seat demonstrator and is now entering the detailed development phase of the full-scale EL9. The first full-scale prototype (9 seats) is expected to fly in 2026 to validate its performance, followed by a production model intended for certification. FAA certification (under Part 23 standards for normal category aircraft) is targeted for 2028–2029, with commercial service expected to commence in 2029 as per the announced schedule.
Planned service entry for the prototype: 2029.

Subsequently, the aircraft will be certified for instrument flight (IFR) and operations in icing conditions, ensuring robust commercial operation throughout the year.

Access to Short Runways: New Regional Opportunities

One of the major advantages of the Electra EL9 is its ability to operate without heavy airport infrastructure. Thanks to its ADAC/STOL capability, this aircraft can take off from almost any small airfield or flat area of just a few dozen meters. This makes it possible to directly connect communities without an airport or isolated sites that only have a grass runway or a helipad. The EL9 can, for example, use a simple gravel strip, a clearing, or even a large, suitably adapted parking lot—opening the door to unprecedented air links. This increased accessibility would allow regions that have been poorly served to be connected without the need to build new runways. In urban areas, it is even possible to utilize small local airfields or repurposed helipads, bypassing the noise restrictions that currently limit business aviation at many metropolitan airports. Essentially, such an aircraft could provide point-to-point regional flights where scheduled airlines do not operate. Instead of having to stop at a major hub before continuing the journey, a business traveler could take off from a field near their headquarters and land as close as possible to their final destination. For example, the EL9 would be capable of directly linking two secondary cities separated by a few hundred kilometers, even if one of them only has a small local runway. This time savings and logistical simplicity represent a significant advantage for business aviation and interregional professional travel. Moreover, the aircraft's low fuel consumption and simplified maintenance—thanks in part to a reduced number of moving parts compared to a conventional turboprop—hint at lower operating costs, making regional air links economically viable where they previously were not. The potential use cases for the EL9 are numerous: in countries with complex geography (islands, mountainous regions) or limited infrastructure, it could provide inter-village connections or emergency medical transport where only helicopters currently operate—and at a fraction of the cost. For express cargo operators, its ability to take off almost anywhere with a payload of 1.5 tonnes opens up new logistical opportunities, such as delivering packages in rural areas or transporting equipment to isolated construction sites. Even the U.S. military has shown interest in this concept for resupplying operations in areas without runways, considering a version of the EL9 to transport cargo over rough terrain.

Towards More Sustainable and Connected Business Aviation

The Electra EL9 fits within the current trend of greening business aviation and regional air mobility. Thanks to its hybrid-electric propulsion and energy efficiency, it stands out as a true “electric private jet” for the modern era, offering business travelers a mode of air transport that is fast, flexible, and environmentally friendly. Traditionally, business aviation has been criticized for its high carbon footprint, particularly on short routes where jets consume a disproportionate amount of fuel. An aircraft like the EL9 provides a concrete solution to this challenge: on a 300 km flight, it could consume only a fraction of the fuel used by a light jet—or even none at all if it operates in a purely electric mode for part of the journey. By replacing or supplementing conventional turboprops with EL9s on short routes, business aviation operators can drastically reduce CO₂ emissions per passenger. Moreover, the EL9 has been designed to integrate seamlessly with existing operations. Its cruise speed and range place it in the same operational category as well-known aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-12 or the Cessna Caravan, facilitating its adoption by regional carriers and charter operators. Several innovative air mobility players have already positioned themselves: on-demand flight platforms like Blade (India), JetSetGo, Flapper (Brazil), as well as semi-private U.S. carriers JSX and Surf Air have pre-ordered the EL9 to renew their fleets and open up new, greener point-to-point routes. Overall, Electra has announced more than 2,200 pre-orders for its aircraft worldwide, representing nearly 9 billion dollars—a record in the advanced air mobility sector. This enthusiasm demonstrates that the market, including business aviation, is ready to invest in more sustainable solutions and embrace these technological innovations. Finally, the EL9 helps democratize access to business aviation while making it more sustainable. Its expected low operating cost could lower the price of tickets or flight hours, enabling more regions and companies to enjoy the benefits of private aviation without the associated environmental guilt. By combining green regional air mobility with operational efficiency, the Electra EL9 appears to be a potential game changer for business aviation in the coming decade.

Linkinjet: A Committed Player in Sustainable Aviation

At Linkinjet, we closely follow the development of the Electra EL9 because it aligns with our vision of more sustainable and innovative business aviation. Linkinjet's mission has always been to offer our clients air mobility solutions that are both sustainable and technologically robust, favoring aircraft and operations that reduce environmental impact without compromising safety or performance. In this regard, we firmly believe in the rise of green aviation and support forward-thinking projects such as the Electra EL9, which demonstrate the progress possible toward cleaner air transport. As a specialist in business aviation, Linkinjet sees the EL9 as particularly relevant for private jet and air taxi operators looking to responsibly expand their offerings. Imagine being able to offer your clients 100% electrified (or very low-emission) regional flights to destinations that were previously inaccessible in conventional business aviation. Thanks to the EL9, an operator like Linkinjet could serve small local airfields or remote sites directly, providing significant time savings for travelers while reducing the flight’s carbon footprint. This is exactly the type of solution we plan to implement to meet the needs of an increasingly environmentally conscious clientele. Linkinjet is committed to supporting the transition to this new, sustainable form of business aviation. We are already working to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into the flights we charter, and we are preparing to welcome next-generation aircraft like the Electra EL9 as soon as they are certified. Convinced that technology can reconcile business aviation with sustainable development, we are confident that hybrid-electric short takeoff aircraft will play a key role in the coming years. The EL9, with its runway-independent takeoff concept and energy efficiency, perfectly illustrates how innovation can create both economic and ecological opportunities for our industry. Linkinjet is excited about this breakthrough and will remain an active partner in the shift toward greener aviation, for the benefit of our clients and the planet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Electra EL9 emerges as a revolutionary short takeoff business aircraft, intelligently combining hybrid-electric propulsion and STOL design to meet the challenges of 21st-century air mobility. Its performance (taking off in just a few dozen meters, low noise, long range) makes it an ideal candidate for point-to-point regional flights and a valuable asset for sustainably serving traditionally poorly connected regions. For business aviation operators and platforms committed to the ecological transition—like Linkinjet—the EL9 offers a concrete opportunity to develop sustainable business aviation without sacrificing flexibility or profitability. Private and regional aviation is on the cusp of major transformations, and projects like the Electra EL9 demonstrate that the future of the “electric private jet” and green regional air mobility is already taking off. Linkinjet will remain at the forefront of these developments, ensuring that tomorrow we offer you the best in business aviation: greener, more innovative, and always better suited to your needs.