New Springfield aircraft manufacturing will gain significant momentum after the City of Springfield confirmed that Electra has selected the city for its new original equipment manufacturing (OEM) facility and corporate headquarters. The project will establish a large-scale production campus for hybrid-electric aircraft, strengthen the state’s aerospace manufacturing base, and create nearly 2,000 new jobs. It will also support commercial production of the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft while expanding Ohio’s position in advanced aviation manufacturing.
In a news release provided to Construction Review Online, the City of Springfield confirmed that the total project represents a capital investment of approximately $1 billion and the creation of nearly 2,000 new jobs. The announcement was made during the Farnborough International Airshow in England, one of the world’s premier aerospace industry events. The project will be carried out in two phases, with the total construction of approximately one million square feet of advanced air mobility manufacturing and headquarters space.
The facility will rise at AirPark Ohio near Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Clark County. State officials announced the investment 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.
A collaborative effort years in the making
The City of Springfield said the project is the result of a collaborative effort involving the City of Springfield, the State of Ohio, JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the Dayton Development Coalition, Clark County, the Greater Springfield Partnership, Green Township and numerous public and private partners working together to position Springfield as a national leader in advanced air mobility.
Mayor Rob Rue said Electra’s decision is the culmination of years of strategic planning, investment and collaboration. “We are grateful to Electra CEO Marc Allen and the entire Electra team for their investment in Springfield and their confidence in our community,” he said. “Today’s announcement is a defining moment for Springfield and the State of Ohio and reflects the vision our community has pursued for years to become a national leader in advanced air mobility. This investment will create high-quality jobs, strengthen our economy and further establish Springfield as a destination for innovation, aerospace manufacturing and next-generation aviation. The future of flight is being built right here in Springfield.”
New Springfield aircraft manufacturing 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 manufacturing 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: Electra Springfield Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility
Project value: Approximately $1 billion
Location: AirPark Ohio, Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, USA
Project type: Advanced air mobility manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters
Development purpose: Commercial production of the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, plus Electra’s corporate headquarters
Construction: Approximately one million square feet, delivered in two phases
Aircraft capacity: Initial production of up to 400 aircraft annually
Long-term production target: Up to 800 aircraft annually under future expansion
Employment creation: Nearly 2,000 new jobs (approximately 1,975)
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
Chief Executive Officer: Marc Allen
Project location partner: AirPark Ohio
Host community: City of Springfield, Ohio (Mayor Rob Rue)
County partner: Clark County
State economic development partner: JobsOhio
Additional partners: State of Ohio, Ohio Department of Development, Dayton Development Coalition, Greater Springfield Partnership, Green Township
State government support: Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Airport partner: Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport
Strategic investors: Honeywell, Safran Corporate Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures
Regulatory authority: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Manufacturing focus: EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft production
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