Electra demonstrates hybrid-electric STOL aircraft as feeder for major airports

Electra, a company developing a hybrid-electric aircraft with ultra-short takeoff and landing capability, said it has completed a series of demonstration flights showing how such aircraft could feed passengers into larger airports.

The flights took place under the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, with additional backing from transportation departments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the company. The route began at Electra's facility in Manassas, Virginia, and ended at Philadelphia International Airport. Along the way, the aircraft, which Electra calls Goldfinch, made stops at smaller airfields including Millville Executive Airport and Atlantic City Bader Field in New Jersey, and Northeast Philadelphia Airport in Pennsylvania.

Electra said the goal was to test how small hybrid-electric aircraft might be integrated into the national airspace system by linking underused regional airfields with larger hub airports. Company chief executive Marc Allen said the aircraft could connect communities and regional airports directly to major hubs. He described the effort as building toward what he called Direct Aviation.

The company said similar demonstration efforts are underway elsewhere. A separate flight program is planned in Florida with that state's transportation department and private partners. Another project, with Signature Aviation and Vertiports by Atlantic, is testing related infrastructure, according to the company.

The announcement gave no timeline for commercial service.