Electra and VertiPorts by Atlantic have signed a memorandum of understanding to look at how New York City sites could host Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, the companies announced November 5.
The partners will study options such as barges, piers and elevated surfaces at new and existing VertiPorts by Atlantic locations in the city. They described the New York work as a first step toward finding Ultra Short access points in several regions. The announcement is an agreement to assess sites; it does not name specific locations or a start date for service.
The EL9 is a nine-passenger hybrid-electric airplane that Electra says can take off and land in as little as 150 feet. Unlike an eVTOL, it does not take off vertically. The MOU follows an Electra demonstration at Downtown Skyport in Lower Manhattan, which the company believes was the first landing there by a fixed-wing aircraft without vertical takeoff capability.
Diana Siegel, Electra’s vice president of commercial programs, said the assessment is a step toward linking New York City with communities across the region. Kevin Cox, CEO of VertiPorts by Atlantic, said Electra’s small operating footprint opens new ways to connect regional flights with urban areas.
VertiPorts by Atlantic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Aviation, which operates fixed base operations across North America. Electra also recently picked Springfield, Ohio, for its first EL9 production facility.
Source: Electra via PR Newswire, November 5, 2026.
Photo: Electra