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 explains: “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 points out: “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.”

The Elixir Team is excited to welcome visitors on their EAA Airventure Oshkosh booth 356 for the 2023 show.

About Elixir Aircraft

Elixir Aircraft, created in 2015 and headquartered in La Rochelle, France offers aviators throughout the world the latest and most advanced 4th generation single engine aircraft. Elixir currently employs more than 100 employees and is constructing new production facilities in France and Florida, USA.

The objective of company from the beginning: to make safer, more economical, more environment-friendly and more versatile aircraft. Elixir employs a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the Oneshot Carbon, to simplify the structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, therefore more safety, but also fewer maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of US$50 of fuel and maintenance). All Elixir airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit.

Elixir Aircraft is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Elixir Aircraft in Figures

• 4th generation two-seater aircraft certified EASA CS-23 since 2020
• 100 employees, including Over 70 new hires since the first quarter of 2021
• Two production sites in France, one of 23000 square ft, the other of 9000 square ft
• +70 aircraft on firm order
• +100 aircraft pre-ordered

About the Elixir Aircraft 100HP

The Elixir 100HP is the latest in safety, economy, and technology. Elixir Aircraft offers an aircraft that covers all the needs of a modern flight school while reducing carbon emissions by nearly 70% compared to other old generation aircraft. The standard flight training organization configuration includes a full Garmin avionics suite and are built to withstand the rigors of flight training. Standard safety equipment include: spin resistance; ballistic parachute, AoA indicator; double slotted electric flaps; explosion resistance fuel tank and Reinforced oleo-pneumatic landing gear and combined nose wheel, wide track and low center of gravity minimize bounced landings associated with loss of control accidents and runway excursions. The 912iS is powered by the low noise 100 hp Rotax offers with a fuel consumption of around three gallons per hour.

Source: Elixir Aircraft Press Release
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft (shown as meta image)