Springfield is poised for a massive economic transformation as Virginia based aerospace firm Electra prepares to invest 850 million dollars into a new production facility. Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in England, the project will see the development of a 96 acre site at AirPark Ohio. This ambitious expansion is expected to create 1,975 new jobs over the next ten years, offering roles for engineers, mechanics, and technicians with an estimated average salary of 92,000 dollars.
The facility will focus on the production of the EL9 Ultra Short, a nine passenger hybrid electric aircraft designed to revolutionize regional travel. According to Electra CEO Marc Allen, the plane targets those making daily trips between 50 and 250 miles—distances often too long for comfortable driving but too short for traditional commercial flights. One of the most striking features of the EL9 is its efficiency, requiring only 150 feet for takeoff and landing, meaning it could potentially operate out of almost any small municipal airport across Ohio.
Governor Mike DeWine praised the move as a monumental step for the state’s storied history in flight. He noted that bringing this new era of aviation back to the birthplace of the Wright brothers underscores Ohio’s continued leadership in aerospace innovation. The choice of Springfield was not accidental; Electra selected the location after evaluating more than 140 sites nationwide. Its proximity to Wright Patterson Air Force Base and existing air mobility hubs makes it an ideal center for high tech manufacturing.
Construction is slated to begin as early as next year, with operations expected to start by 2028. Once fully operational, Electra aims to build between 400 and 800 aircraft annually at the site. Demand appears strong already, with pre orders coming from approximately 60 different entities including NASA and various branches of the United States military. State officials expect these developments to provide a significant boost to Clark County while cementing Southwest Ohio’s reputation as a global leader in advanced air mobility.