2Excel Aviation and Electra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the demonstration of Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft in the UK and Europe, beginning with airworthiness and flight operations support for Electra’s EL2 technology demonstrator.
Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft is designed to take off and land in less than 50 metres, creating a new category of point-to-point aviation from locations as small as a football pitch. The agreement brings together 2Excel’s deep experience in complex flight demonstrations, aircraft modification, maintenance and repair, with Electra’s hybrid-electric aircraft technology and vision for Direct Aviation.
Under the MOU, 2Excel will support Electra’s planned 2027 European demonstration tour of the EL2, including engagement with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and European Union Aviation Safety Agency, infrastructure and ground support, flight-test support, demonstration operations, planning, and event execution.
Looking ahead, 2Excel is exploring modification of Electra’s EL9 production aircraft for potential use across reconnaissance, surveillance, charter, and other mission profiles where Ultra Short performance, hybrid-electric propulsion, payload, and range could provide a cleaner, more flexible alternative to legacy aircraft.
Andy Offer, co-founder and Chief Executive of 2Excel Aviation, said: “We are excited to be working with Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft as it has incredible short take-off and landing capabilities paired with hybrid-electric propulsion. These capabilities are future proofing the sustainable aviation that will appeal to 2Excel’s operations in the future as it is reducing the environmental footprint as well as costs.
“Supporting this work with the EL2 two-seat technology demonstrator is a pathfinder for the potential delivery of the EL9 production aircraft into service in the UK and Europe. With its fast-cruising speed and impressive payload and range, it has huge potential to replace less energy efficient legacy aircraft with a cleaner and greener platform for a variety of certain mission profiles.”
“Europe is an important market for Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft, and this partnership is a critical step toward demonstrating how hybrid-electric, ultra-short flight can work across the region,” said Jake Ashmore, Director of Strategic Growth of Electra Aero.
“2Excel brings the local flight demonstration experience, and regulatory knowledge needed to help introduce Ultra Short flight in the UK and Europe. We look forward to working with Andy and his team as we bring the EL2 to Europe in 2027, build the regulatory pathway for future EL9 operations, and advance our vision for Direct Aviation across the region.”
