Electra hybrid-electric aircraft makes Manhattan aviation first with 150-foot takeoff

Electra's hybrid-electric demonstrator took off and landed at Downtown Skyport in Lower Manhattan using roughly 150 feet, the first non-VTOL airplane operation at the heliport. The company is advancing its larger EL9 aircraft toward certification and plans regional routes using existing compact sites.

• Takeoff and landing used about 150 feet thanks to blown-lift over the wings
• First airplane without vertical takeoff capability to operate at Downtown Skyport
• Electra projects up to 3 hours 45 minutes saved on New York–Boston trips
• More than 60 airline operators intend to fly Direct Aviation regional routes