Hybrid-Electric Blown-Lift eSTOL Plane Developer Acquires Airflow

Electra has acquired California-based Airflow. The transaction creates an addition to the rapidly emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) market.

The announcement was made at the UP.Summit, an annual gathering of leaders in transportation innovation hosted by investment firm UP.Partners.

The acquisition places Electra's order book at almost 800 planes, allegedly 'beyond break-even' for commercial development.

Both Electra and Airflow have been building blown-lift, ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft to serve new air mobility markets that mimic the operating flexibility of a helicopter, yet require the added range and economics associated with fixed-wing aircraft.

With this acquisition, Electra is consolidating Airflow's eSTOL business under the Electra brand. Electra will integrate Airflow's team, letters of intent and strategic partnerships into its own activities.

"The Airflow team and the Electra team both have deep experience in the development and testing of battery-powered aircraft. This experience convinced us that physics and the economics both strongly favor a solution that uses a wing throughout the full flight versus a rotor-borne vertical takeoff and transition. Distributed electric propulsion allows us to take off and land within two vehicle lengths to access parking-lot sized spaces," said Marc Ausman, co-founder and CEO of Airflow. "This solution offers not only lower costs but a much more straightforward path to certification than vertical lift variants. We look forward to continuing our mission to develop such a vehicle as part of the Electra team."

Electra is designed to transport nine passengers and a pilot or 1800 pounds of cargo up to 500 miles in most weather conditions. Electra's technology reportedly delivers 2.5x the payload and 10x longer range at 70% lower operating costs than vertical takeoff alternatives.

"There are dozens of aspiring entrants in the AAM market. The acquisition of Airflow complements Electra's team, our sales pipeline, and technology portfolio which will allow customers to select the best solution to their needs in a rapidly expanding market," said John Langford, founder and CEO of Electra. "Marc Ausman is an incredibly talented individual, and the Airflow team is experienced and motivated, and share our mission and culture. This acquisition will allow Electra to grow and scale more quickly."

When used with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), Electra's hybrid-electric system may offer a carbon-neutral aviation solution. Airflow's partnership with Plug Power also adds a next-generation, zero-emissions solution to Electra's portfolio.  

FMI: www.electra.aero, www.airflow.aero