“Electra.aero, Inc. (“Electra”), a next-gen aerospace company committed to decarbonizing aviation and opening new air transportation markets, today announced a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Army valued at $1.9 million that funds powered wind tunnel testing of Electra’s hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The award enables the U.S. Army to explore Electra’s unique blown wing aircraft technology potential to broaden U.S. military capabilities, especially for fuel-efficient, resilient logistics in contested environments,” states a press release.
“(Electra) is a next-gen aerospace company leading the way in sustainable urban and regional mobility. The company is building clean, hybrid-electric, short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) airplanes that fly people and cargo quieter, further, and more affordably. Electra’s technology delivers 2.5x the payload and 10X longer range with 70% lower operating costs than vertical takeoff alternatives with far less certification risk.”
The firm is based at the Manassas Regional Airport.
Virginia State Police: At 8:15 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2024, Virginia State Police responded to the Manassas Regional Airport to investigate a plane crash. A single-engine Cessna was on the runway when it ran off to the side, struck a culvert, and overturned.
Onboard was the pilot and one passenger. Neither one was injured.
The FAA and NTSB have been notified. The investigation remains ongoing.
Director Juan Rivera highlights significant achievements and forward-looking initiatives in the latest update from Manassas Regional Airport, emphasizing the airport’s vital role in regional development. Key points include near-full hangar occupancy, upgrades to security and infrastructure, and the pursuit of commercial service certification.
Additionally, the report outlines upcoming projects like the rehabilitation of Taxiway B and Taxilane Y, plus a Master Plan update. These developments will be discussed in detail at the Manassas Regional Airport Commission Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Terminal Building’s 1st Floor Conference Room, located at 10600 Harry Parrish Boulevard in Manassas.
The meeting is open to the public. Here’s the full meeting agenda.
Manassas Regional Airport, the largest general aviation airport in Virginia, serves as a key transportation hub for both business and personal aviation needs. With a commitment to safety, efficiency, and community service, the airport offers a range of amenities and services, including hangar space, fueling services, and maintenance facilities. Its location near Washington, D.C., and robust infrastructure support economic growth and aviation education, making it a pivotal asset for the region’s development and connectivity.
The airport followed the FAA’s Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), implementing a no-fly zone during the president’s visit to the Hylton Performing Arts Center, where he unveiled the “Restore Roe” campaign platform, promising to restore a federal abortion ban.
Berry said communication was crucial during this time, and the airport disseminated information to tenants through email and social media outlets.
Describing the day as an “all hands on deck” situation, Berry highlighted the proactive role of the Operations staff in communication and coordination with tenants. The entire airport staff was available throughout the day, collaborating with City Police, Fire Departments, and various federal agencies.
When asked about the financial impact, Berry mentioned that the airport doesn’t calculate revenue loss during such events. The issuance of TFR allows the flying community to plan around restrictions, minimizing financial implications. In 2021, the airport had 410 aircraft based on its premises and recorded 92,784 flights, the highest number of flights in over 10 years.
Manassas Regional Airport hadn’t hosted a Presidential visit in over 23 years — since Bill Clinton — making this event a unique and novel experience. Berry expressed the honor of hosting President Biden and Vice President Harris’ helicopters, Marine 1 and 2, acknowledging the memorable moments captured and shared on social media.
“It was an honor for the Manassas Regional Airport to host the President and Vice President helicopters. This was not a typical day for our staff and tenants, but it was a novel experience,” said Berry.
The President’s visit had significant implications for the Greater Manassas area. The high-profile event snarled traffic and led to the afternoon-long closure of the city’s municipal airport, the largest in the state.
The temporary flight restriction from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Manassas Regional Airport halted all aircraft activities, practice approaches, touch-and-go, and drone operations.
Since its establishment in 1932, Manassas Regional Airport has played a vital role in the local economy. A 2017 economic impact study revealed that the airport significantly contributed, generating over $375 million in economic impact, supporting 1,350 jobs, and contributing $117 million in wages to the community.
Local Spotlight: Folks, I’m serious about Local Spotlight being the most effective, affordable advertising I’ve ever offered.
- And it’s a tremendous value for small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Local Spotlight members receive:
- At least three ads on our potomaclocalnews.com website (new positions coming)
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Snow day: We’re expecting up to three inches of snow today, according to our forecast sponsored by Water’s End Brewery. Send us your snow pictures.
Events: Post your events to our local calendar FREE by clicking this link. We reach 1.5 million readers a year, so FREE ain’t bad for that amount of targeted reach.
MLK Day: Reporter Katherine Madere is covering the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Program & Youth Oratorical Competition, held this year at Colgan Senior High School near Woodbridge.
New Mexican-style: Amelia Breeden’s story about Anita’s New Mexican-style diner reopening near Manassas has drawn some debate on our Facebook page, proving once again that people on social media will argue over anything.
- “Oh man, this brings back wonderful memories from my childhood.”
- “So many great El Salvadoran places in Manassas. I was actually sad to see this.”
Huntley event confusion: Some on the FredNats Facebook page are confused about the event at the baseball stadium honoring Fredericksburg’s “Huntley,” who won season 24 of “The Voice” on NBC.
- “What fun? No food, no game, no concert? So everyone just stares at each other and worships Huntley?”
Trash talkin’: The Stafford County Sheriff took a swipe at Dallas Cowboys fans this morning after their 48-32 loss in the wildcard playoff game. Full story.
Supervisors: Prince William and Stafford counties Board of Supervisors meetings will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. Our reporters will cover stories about adding classroom trailers to preserve historic sites.
Shootings: We’re following several breaking stories today, including two shootings, on our homepage.
Drop a line: Tell us how we’re doing and send news tips to [email protected].
Thanks for your continued support of local news in our communities.
Uriah Kiser
Publisher
Potomac Local News
Exploding meat: Today, we debuted a new ad format on Potomac Local News for Dixie Bones, and I couldn’t be more excited.
- It’s called the Likable Ad, and, just like a Facebook or Instagram post, you can like the ad and show some love to small businesses that support local news in our communities.
- The most remarkable thing about the new ad format is that it bursts with customizable images when you “like” it.
- In Dixie Bones’ case, it’s exploding meat. What else would it be?
- Please support Dixie Bones and the other small restaurants that are working to provide great food, service, and jobs to their employees.
- As we’ve reported, inflation and a new meals tax in Prince William County have taken their toll on small restaurant owners. So, when you eat out, support local.
An event for your Saturday: “ECPI University Open House; For adult learners looking to pursue their college and career goals in 2024, ECPI University is holding an Open House on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our Northern Virginia campus at 10021 Balls Ford Rd #100, Manassas, VA 20109.”
- Please submit your events FREE to our calendar.
Wet weather: There’s more rain in our forecast, sponsored by Waters End Brewery.
Chicken head: Mike Salmon’s story about a man who found what appeared to be a chicken’s head in his dinner was the most-viewed story on our website this week.
Restaurant Week: It’s almost time to taste some of the restaurants you’ve been meaning to get to during Fredericksburg’s Winter Restaurant Week.
- Members can read all about it. Please become a member today — your contribution helps us pay our reporters.
What we’re working on: Our reporters always look out for you and the following big stories. Here’s what is coming to you in the next few days:
- Caitlyn Meisner looks at the first remarks from newly-elected Prince William Board County Supervisor Chair Deshundra Jefferson, who promises a new day on the body that governs Virginia’s second-largest jurisdiction.
- Charity McCoy will tell us about continuing preparations for a new passenger jet service at the Manassas Regional Airport.
- Mike Salmon will show us how Fredericksburg works to build a better bicycle network.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for your continued support of local news in our communities.
Uriah Kiser
Publisher
Potomac Local News
The hangars were occupied by Dulles Aviation, a flight school, for almost 40 years. Two large corporate hangars on the northwest side have been demolished for a road and drainage to be built. Before the Dulles Aviation FBO occupied these hangars, the Fairfax police helicopter division inhabited the main hangar for almost three years while their facility was being rebuilt, explained Jolene Berry, the airport’s assistant director.
The relocation project is funded using bi-partisan infrastructure law, or BIL funding. Berry explained that the airport plans to front the project cost and get reimbursed by the FAA over five years.
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With the prospect of new passengers using Manassas Regional Airport in 2025 to reach their destinations starting in 2025, airport officials continue pushing for a new flight tower.
The current air traffic control tower at Manassas Regional Airport is about is 60 years old, said airport spokeswoman Jolene Berry. The tower was built at Centennial Airport in Denver. It was erected at the Manassas Regional Airport in the early 1990s and put into service in 1992.
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- Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
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The Manassas City Council accepted an early Christmas gift from Amazon Data Services.
The firm will pay the city about $28 million for land at the city airport to build a new server farm. Amazon offered to purchase the 21-acre parcel at 10453 Wakeman Drive from the city government.
- If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!
- Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
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- Sign in here if you're already a member, and Thank You!
