Electra and VertiPorts by Atlantic Explore Ultra-Short Aircraft Infrastructure in New York
Electra and VertiPorts by Atlantic have signed a memorandum of understanding to assess infrastructure options for the operation of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft at sites in New York City and the wider region.
The collaboration will examine whether existing and new vertiport locations could accommodate the nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft, which is designed to take off and land in as little as 150 feet. Potential infrastructure concepts include barges, piers and elevated surfaces, which could provide access points closer to urban centres without requiring conventional runways.
VertiPorts by Atlantic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Aviation. The companies said the initial work would focus on New York City, with the possibility of identifying further locations in other regions.
The announcement follows an Electra demonstration at Downtown Skyport in Lower Manhattan. The company said the event marked what is believed to be the first landing at the heliport by a fixed-wing aircraft without vertical take-off capability. The demonstration was intended to show how the EL9’s short-field performance could allow it to use sites not normally accessible to conventional aeroplanes.
Electra is developing the EL9 as part of its proposed Direct Aviation model, which aims to provide regional point-to-point services through a network of smaller access locations rather than relying solely on major airports. The aircraft uses hybrid-electric propulsion and is designed to carry nine passengers, with a targeted take-off and landing distance of 150 feet.
The infrastructure assessment will need to consider more than the physical landing area, including passenger access, ground operations, safety requirements and the regulatory approvals needed to establish services in dense urban environments. The MOU does not represent a commitment to build new facilities or launch scheduled operations.
