Electra has appointed former Airbus and Boeing executives and the co-founder of AirFinance to its board. 

James Albaugh and Allan McArtor will join Electra’s board of advisors and Kirsten Bartok Touw will join the firm’s board of directors. They join existing board members Paul Kaminski, General Bryan “Doug” Brown, Peter Joseph and Laura O’Neill Ott. The OEM is working to develop a hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.

John Langford, founder and CEO, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Jim, Allan, and Kirsten to the Electra board at this important time in the development of our eSTOL aircraft. They bring deep understanding of the industry and an invaluable perspective on aircraft development, operation, finance, and regulation to the team.”

James Albaugh retired as executive vice president of the Boeing Company and president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes in 2012. He also served as president of Rocketdyne Propulsion & Power, president of Boeing Space and Communications and president of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. “Electra’s choice to develop a hybrid eSTOL aircraft is grounded in real experience with a broad range of technologies. I’m impressed with the team’s deliberate and thoughtful approach to the aircraft’s development, and I’m delighted to join the company at this exciting time as they prepare to demonstrate their proprietary technology in flight,” said Albaugh.  

Allan McArtor is the former chairman of Airbus Americas, where he served for 17 years until 2018. He was also administrator of the FAA from 1987-89 and founder and CEO of Legend Airlines. McArtor served as a decorated fighter pilot in Vietnam and later flew as a USAF Thunderbird pilot. He said: “The fixed-wing design of the Electra eSTOL aircraft not only reduces technical risk with better safety and economics compared to vertical takeoff alternatives, the lower complexity also ensures a straightforward path to certification. I look forward to helping the team navigate the path to commercial operations and success.”

Finally, Kirsten Bartok Touw is the co-founder and managing partner of AirFinance. She is also the co-founder and managing partner of New Vista Capital, the investment firm focused on aerospace, space, and national security technologies. She previously served as vice president, Strategy, Structured Finance & Corporate Development at Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. Bartok Touw has also worked in investment banking and capital markets with Alpine Investors, JPMorgan Partners, and Goldman, Sachs. She said: “Electra is transforming the $150bn Advanced Air Mobility market by delivering the most flexible, efficient and cost-effective solution for urban and regional transport. It’s a pivotal time for the aviation industry and I’m honoured to join the Electra board to help guide the company’s growth and financing.”