Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Hunch Mobility, a joint venture between helicopter operator Blade Air Mobility and investment firm Hunch Ventures, intends to operate regional air services in India using Electra’ Aero's hybrid-electric EL9 “Ultra Short” aircraft.&nbsp;The two companies formalized their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding on January 22 at the Urban Air Mobility Expo 2025 event held near New Delhi.
Electra’s EL9 is a planned short takeoff and landing (STOL) airplane that the company says will be able to operate quietly using runways less than 150 feet long. Configured for either commuters or cargo, the EL9 can carry up to nine passengers or 3,000 pounds of payload to a range of 330 nm.&nbsp;
Under their new partnership, Hunch Mobility and Electra will explore possible flight routes for an on-demand air taxi network across India, targeting congested areas where they can take full advantage of the EL9’s STOL capabilities, according to Electra.&nbsp;
“This partnership combines Electra’s innovative aircraft technology with Hunch Mobility’s operational expertise and market presence to deliver cleaner, quieter, and faster transportation options that address India’s pressing mobility challenges,” said Marc Ausman, Electra’s vice president of sales and support.
Virginia-based Electra has been flying a two-seat demonstrator aircraft called the EL2 Goldfinch since 2023, and the company revealed the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-11-14/electra-launches-hybrid-electra-el9-ultra-short">design for the production EL9</a> model in November 2024.&nbsp;
The EL9 airplane sports a blown-wing design with eight wing-mounted electric propulsion units. Electra chose to use a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2022-01-13/how-electric-propulsion-and-blown-wing-technology-have-liberated-aircraft">blown-lift architecture</a> to enable steep takeoffs and landings at speeds as slow as 35 knots. Four independent battery packs power the aircraft’s distributed electric propulsion system, and a Safran TG 600 turbogenerator charges the batteries during flight.&nbsp;
While the hybrid system can use jet fuel or sustainable aviation fuel to recharge the batteries, operators can also charge the EL9 with power from the grid in places where chargers are available. That versatility, combined with the ability to utilize small spaces to take off and land, makes the EL9 a fitting solution for India’s fast-growing and extremely congested transportation market.&nbsp;
“Our partnership with Electra represents a significant step forward in our mission to reduce travel friction and offer cost-effective air transportation alternatives,” said Hunch Mobility managing director Amit Dutta. “The EL9 aircraft will enable us to expand our services and provide a seamless transition to electric air mobility for our customers.”
In 2023, Hunch Mobility partnered with Embraer subsidiary Eve Air Mobility to lay the groundwork for an eVTOL air taxi network across India, with initial routes <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-11-14/eve-launches-urban-air-mobility-partnerships-dubai-and-india">launching in Bangalore</a>. Hunch Mobility previously agreed to purchase up to 200 of Eve’s four-passenger eVTOL aircraft, which could see certification in 2026, along with the company’s urban air traffic management software. Hunch and Electra have not yet disclosed any purchase agreements as part of the new partnership.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Hunch Mobility To Operate Electra's Hybrid-electric STOL Aircraft in India

Hybrid-electric EL9 airplane only needs 150 feet of runway

Hunch Mobility, which is backed by Blade Air Mobility, plans to operate Electra’s EL9 hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing airplane in India.



Hunch Mobility To Operate Electra EL9 'Ultra Short' Aircraft in India

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Backlog climbs to $7.8 billion as customer demand remains strong

Textron Aviation Deliveries Sag Due To Strike Impacts

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

While available inventory was up YOY, it is down over the past six months

Growth in Used Bizjets on Market Shows Signs of Slowing

First full-scale prototype of the hybrid-electric Atea aircraft is "in the production phase"

Ascendance Plans to Fly Hybrid eVTOL Prototype This Year

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

In this article

Electra

More In Aircraft

Textron Aviation Deliveries Sag Due To Strike Impacts

Backlog climbs to $7.8 billion as customer demand remains strong

Growth in Used Bizjets on Market Shows Signs of Slowing

While available inventory was up YOY, it is down over the past six months

Ascendance Plans to Fly Hybrid eVTOL Prototype This Year

First full-scale prototype of the hybrid-electric Atea aircraft is "in the production phase"

EHang and Partners Lay Plans for eVTOL Air Services in Shanghai

Demonstration flights have been conducted from the city's historic Longhua Airfield

Cirrus’s Vision Jet G2+ Offers an Entry into Business Jet Travel

The company has its own training program to help owners move up from their piston aircraft

Jefferies Survey Finds Stable Bizjet Market Sentiment

Survey index of business jet brokers was unchanged from June

Daher TBM, Kodiak Turboprop Deliveries Soar 11% in 2024

U.S. customer base continues to play a prominent role for company's turboprop singles

Preowned Gulfstream Bizjet Sales Climb 20% in 2024

G550 was the top seller in the used Gulfstream marketplace among the 10 models tracked

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN