New Springfield aircraft startup construction will gain significant momentum after plans emerged for an $850 million advanced manufacturing facility in Springfield, Ohio. The project will establish a large-scale production campus for hybrid-electric aircraft, strengthen the state’s aerospace manufacturing base, and create 1,975 new jobs. Furthermore, the development will support commercial production of the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft while expanding Ohio’s position in advanced aviation manufacturing.
The proposed facility will rise at AirPark Ohio near Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Clark County. State officials announced the investment during the Farnborough International Airshow after a nationwide site selection process that reviewed more than 140 locations. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 following permitting, infrastructure preparation and detailed design work.
The project represents one of Ohio’s largest recent aerospace manufacturing investments. It also reflects growing demand for facilities supporting hybrid-electric aircraft as the aviation industry pursues lower-emission transport solutions.
New Springfield Aircraft Startup strengthens advanced manufacturing
The new production campus will manufacture the EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The fixed-wing aircraft carries nine passengers and combines hybrid-electric propulsion with blown-lift technology.
According to project details, the aircraft can take off and land within approximately 150 feet. Consequently, it could operate from compact locations including small airfields and other suitable sites that conventional aircraft cannot use. The aircraft targets regional journeys of up to 250 miles under a transport model known as Direct Aviation.
The initial production phase will accommodate up to 400 aircraft annually. However, state development officials indicated the long-term master plan could support production of as many as 800 aircraft each year as demand increases.
Beyond manufacturing, the development will require extensive site preparation, industrial buildings, aircraft assembly halls, testing facilities, logistics infrastructure, utilities and supporting offices. Therefore, the construction program will generate substantial opportunities for contractors, suppliers and engineering firms across the region.
Ohio secured the investment after highlighting its aerospace workforce, established supply chain and aviation research capabilities. In addition, the site’s proximity to Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport provides direct access for aircraft testing and future production operations.
Ohio continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for advanced manufacturing through large-scale industrial investments across multiple sectors. While the proposed aircraft factory will expand the state’s aerospace manufacturing capacity and support next-generation aviation technologies, the $2.7 billion Nucor steel plant in Ohio will reinforce domestic steel production for the automotive, infrastructure, and construction industries. Together, the projects demonstrate Ohio’s growing appeal for transformative manufacturing developments that create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and drive long-term economic growth.
New Springfield Aircraft Startup construction supports aviation growth
The manufacturing complex aims to move the EL9 program from product development into commercial-scale production. However, the aircraft must first obtain Federal Aviation Administration certification before entering service.
Current plans target the first flight during late 2027 or 2028. Meanwhile, engineering, certification and manufacturing preparation will continue alongside factory development.
Industry observers consider the investment an important milestone for advanced air mobility infrastructure in the United States. Additionally, the project reinforces efforts to develop cleaner regional aviation technologies while creating skilled manufacturing employment.
The investment also demonstrates continued confidence from strategic aerospace investors supporting the program. These include Honeywell, Safran Corporate Ventures and Lockheed Martin Ventures. Their backing provides financial support as production facilities advance toward commercial manufacturing.
Local authorities expect the project to stimulate additional supplier investments throughout Clark County. New component manufacturers, maintenance providers and logistics companies could establish operations near the production facility, creating broader economic benefits for the region.
Project fact sheet
Name: Ohio Aircraft Factory Construction Project
Project value: $850 million
Location: AirPark Ohio, Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, USA
Project type: Hybrid-electric aircraft manufacturing facility
Development purpose: Commercial production of EL9 Ultra Short aircraft
Aircraft capacity: Initial production of up to 400 aircraft annually
Long-term production target: Up to 800 aircraft annually under future expansion
Employment creation: Approximately 1,975 new jobs
Aircraft type: Nine-passenger hybrid-electric fixed-wing aircraft
Aircraft range: Up to 250 miles
Take-off and landing capability: Approximately 150 feet
Construction start: Expected in 2027, subject to approvals
Certification status: FAA certification program underway
Expected first flight: Late 2027 or 2028
Strategic significance: Expands Ohio’s advanced aerospace manufacturing sector
Primary market: Regional point-to-point air transportation
Project team
Developer: Electra
Project location partner: AirPark Ohio
Host community: City of Springfield, Ohio
County partner: Clark County
State economic development partner: JobsOhio
State government support: Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Airport partner: Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport
Chief Executive Officer: Marc Allen
Strategic investors:
- Honeywell
- Safran Corporate Ventures
- Lockheed Martin Ventures
Regulatory authority: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Construction timeline: Final planning and approvals preceding expected construction in 2027
Manufacturing focus: EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft production
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