Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Electra Aero has boosted the capital base for developing its EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft by raising $115 million through a Series B funding round. Announcing completion of the round on April 21, the Virginia-based company said the main backer is growth equity group Prysm Capital, whose co-founder and managing partner, Jay Park, has joined its board of directors.
The engineering team at Electra is close to completing the preliminary design review for what it refers to as an Ultra Short aircraft due to its projected ability to take off and land in just 150 feet. New funding will support the start of pre-production and certification work for the critical design review as the company strives to start flying a full-scale EL9 prototype in 2027. Recently, the company completed the system requirements review for the EL9 and is now preparing a bill of materials as it firms up the selection of suppliers for the aircraft’s key systems.
According to Electra, the combination of its blown-lift design and hybrid-electric propulsion will mean it can deliver a range of up to 1,100 nm and a 3,000-pound payload to operators expected to include regional airlines, cargo operators, and military forces. The blown-lift architecture and wing-mounted propellers generate additional lift that the company said requires an airspeed at takeoff of just 35 knots.
The company intends for the nine-passenger EL9 to be able to operate beyond airports, and without the need for charging infrastructure, using sites that could include fields, parking lots, and repurposed heliports. Prospective operators in what Electra describes as Direct Aviation business models could include small, underutilized airfields in communities that do not currently benefit from scheduled air services.&nbsp;It intends to certify the EL9 model under the FAA’s Part 23 rule and has previously indicated that it aims to start deliveries by 2030.
Since November 2024, Electra has been flying a two-seat <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2024-11-26/electras-hybrid-electric-stol-demonstrator-flies-pentagon-exercise">technology demonstrator</a> called the EL2. The company has completed modifications to this aircraft, which it calls the Goldfinch, and is gearing up for what a spokesperson told AIN will be an intensive round of demonstration flights with prospective customers.
In March, Electra reported that it had signed agreements covering more than <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-03-20/customer-base-grows-electras-el9-hybrid-electric-stol">2,200 pre-orders</a> for the EL9, with a combined value of over $10 billion. In the latest in a series of more than 20 Pentagon-backed Small Business Innovation Research contracts, the company is currently working to fulfill a U.S. Air Force project to develop defense use cases for the EL9.
“Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short is a game-changing aircraft that unlocks important new capabilities for commercial and defense users,” Park commented. “The EL9 is the flagship of Electra’s future family of aircraft that will transform aviation with hybrid-electric technology.”
In addition to Prysm Capital, other strategic investors in Electra Aero include Lockheed Martin Ventures, Honeywell, and Safran. The company now has around 80 employees.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Prysm Leads $115 Million Funding Round for Electra Aero’s EL9 Ultra Short

U.S. company is aiming to have a full-scale prototype of its blown-wing design ready to fly in 2027

With $115 million raised through a Series B round, Electra Aero says it’s set to start pre-production and certification work for its EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Positive trends in fractional and Part 135 markets

Argus Reports Slight Growth in 1Q Despite Challenges

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

UK-based group is assessing how best to mitigate increased costs and supply-chain complexity

GKN Aerospace Prepares To Absorb Impact of U.S. Tariffs

AIN Staff

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

AIN 2025 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit, West –Insurance & risk, moderated by Brint Smith, Aviation Alliant Insurance Services: 

Insurance and Risk in Business Aviation

Hanneke Weitering

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Escalating U.S.-China trade war could complicate eVTOL supply chains

China’s EHang Says U.S. Tariffs Will Not Affect eVTOL Business

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

CEO calls for transatlantic unity, arguing that no one wins from a trade war

France’s Daher Aircraft Says Its Investments Boost U.S. Aviation

Shanghai-based company says program funding now tops $100 million 

China’s TCab Tech Raises More Funds for E20 eVTOL Aircraft 

Curt Epstein

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

The program offers extra features for Titan-branded FBOs

Titan Aerospace Insurance Rolls Out New FBO Program

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

In this article

Electra

More In Finance, Taxes, Insurance