French company to open new facility at KSRQ

French-based Elixir Aircraft is opening a new facility at Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Florida.

The new facility will focus on the reassembly of aircraft intended for delivery to clients in the U.S., according to company officials, who note that more than 200 aircraft have already been pre-ordered in the U.S.

Located on the flight line at KSRQ, the facility will consist of two buildings. Elixir Aircraft will take occupation of the first 12,500-square-foot renovated hangar in the fourth quarter of 2024, which will be used mainly for initial re-assembly of aircraft delivered to U.S. pilots.

The new second 6,000-square-foot building is expected to become operational in August 2025. It will also be used for reassembly, as well as to stock spare parts for the east coast of the USA.

Elixir Aircraft envisions employing around 200 people at KSRQ by 2027, who will be tasked with administration, aircraft assembly, deliveries, maintaining stock of spare parts, and providing any support needed.

In addition to Sarasota, Elixir is also putting in place additional support facilities in Arizona and the Midwest USA.

“When we started Elixir, we knew the American market will be key to the future success of the company,” said CEO Arthur Léopold-Léger. “After years of looking for the right U.S. location, and many trips to the area, we are excited to tell the world we will be in Sarasota, Florida.”

In February 2024, Elixir announced an expansion of its headquarters in La Rochelle, France, to 150,000 square feet.

Elixir Aircraft aims to produce more than 300 aircraft a year, company officials added.

Founded in 2015, Elixir Aircraft uses a technology from the world of competitive sailing, the “Carbon Oneshot” (in one piece), to simplify structures for their single-engine piston aircraft.

“More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs,” company officials said, estimating costs at $50 an hour including fuel and maintenance.

For more information: Elixir-Aircraft.com