Elixir Aircraft- growing globally, eyeing America

Since EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2022, Elixir Aircraft has quickly become a leader in the global training aircraft market. Sales orders are taking off, investment is pouring in and constant hiring is taking place. Elixir is filling a much-needed element of general aviation: new, more efficient, safer, and technologically advanced aircraft. Research shows that the average age of the standard single engine piston aircraft training fleet is 49 years old. Moreover, on average for every three aircraft being scrapped, only one new tail number is being registered. In short, there are not enough aircraft to train the world’s much-needed pilots.

Recapping the past 12 months, Elixir co-founder Cyril Champenois commented: “Elixir has seen monumental growth since last years’ EAA Airventure. On the sales side, we have added dozens of aero clubs, flight schools and private pilots to the Elixir family. There are too many to list all, but include the Airbus Flight Academy, Mermoz and other FTOs in countries like Luxembourg, Italy and New Zealand, with many more to come. In America, Sierra Charlie Aviation ordered more than 100 Elixir Full Glass Cockpit 100HP aircraft. Florida based Cirrus Aviation also increased their order to 10 aircraft. This is in addition to other pre-orders received from other Americans. Moreover, we are hoping to receive FAA Part 23 certification soon so we can start to deliver these aircraft to our US customers,” adds Champenois.

In addition to sales revenue, Elixir growth has been propelled by multiple investments. The most recent was a €13-million grant as part of a 40 million Euros total financing package. The funds are being put into the company's industrialization.

Elixir co-founder and president Arthur Léopold-Léger stated: “Elixir is focusing on production with a goal of producing more than 300 aircraft a year. This will be capable due to the soon to be built highly energy efficient and environmentally friendly 150,000ft factory at our current home of La Rochelle, France. The plant is expected to employ over a 1000 people by 2033. In the United States, Elixir aim to operate a final assembly and maintenance facility at Sarasota Bradenton Airport (SRQ). The first hangar will be occupied in 2024, then adding the new neighboring hangar the year after. We need to hire hundreds of Americans for this facility over the coming months and years.”