$850M Aircraft Manufacturing Facility to Launch in Ohio

WHO:

WLWT - Electra, a company based in Manassas, Virginia, is involved in the construction of the new aircraft manufacturing plant.

WLWT - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine commented on the significance of the new plant.

WLWT - Springfield Mayor Rob Rue expressed support for the development.

Electrek - Electra CEO Marc Allen stated the agreement marks a significant step for the company.

WHAT:

WLWT - Electra is constructing an $850 million aircraft manufacturing facility.

WLWT - The new facility is expected to create 1,975 new jobs in the region.

Electrek - The plant will eventually produce up to 800 EL9 Ultra Short aircraft per year.

Electrek - Electra has reported $9 billion in pre-orders and over 2,200 letters of intent from more than 60 commercial customers.

WHERE:

WLWT - The new facility will be located in Springfield, Ohio, next to the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport.

Electrek - The site is situated at AirPark Ohio, near the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

WHEN:

WLWT - Construction on the new facility is expected to start in 2027.

Electrek - Electra anticipates the first flight of the EL9 aircraft in late 2027 or early 2028.

WHY:

WLWT - The decision to build the plant is part of Ohio's goal to lead in advanced air mobility and aerospace manufacturing.

Electrek - Electra aims to capitalize on the growing demand for regional air travel with the EL9 aircraft.

HOW:

Electrek - Electra evaluated over 140 different sites before selecting Springfield for the new plant.

Electrek - The EL9 aircraft utilizes a hybrid-electric design and is capable of taking off in as little as 150 feet.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 10:44 UTC)

Electra, a company based in Manassas, Virginia, is set to construct an $850 million aircraft manufacturing facility in Springfield, Ohio, which is expected to create nearly 2,000 new jobs in the region. The plant will produce up to 800 EL9 Ultra Short aircraft annually, with the first flight anticipated in late 2027 or early 2028, as Electra has already secured $9 billion in pre-orders. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Springfield Mayor Rob Rue have both expressed their support for this significant development, which aligns with the state's ambitions in advanced air mobility and aerospace manufacturing.