Electra Appoints New Board Members

James F. Albaugh, Allan McArtor and Kirsten Bartok Touw join the board to guide Electra in its mission to decarbonize aviation and open new air transportation markets with its eSTOL aircraft By Joe Macey / 31 May 2023
Follow AAMi

Electra has appointed former Airbus, Boeing Executives and AirFinance leader to the company’s board.

James F. Albaugh and Allan McArtor join Electra’s Board of Advisors, and Kirsten Bartok Touw will join the company’s Board of Directors.

They join existing board members Paul Kaminski, General (Ret.) Bryan “Doug” Brown, Peter Joseph, and Laura O’Neill Ott in guiding Electra on its mission to help decarbonize aviation and open new air transportation markets with Electra’s hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.

“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.” said John Langford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Electra.

“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,” commented Albaugh.  

“The fixed-wing design of the Electra eSTOL aircraft not only reduces technical risk with better safety and economics compared to vertical take-off alternatives, the lower complexity also ensures a straightforward path to certification,” McArtor said. “I look forward to helping the team navigate the path to commercial operations and success.”

“Electra is transforming the $150 billion 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 honored to join the Electra Board to help guide the company’s growth and financing,” added Bartok Touw.

Posted by Joe Macey Joseph Macey is a Content Specialist at Advanced Air Mobility International, focusing on emerging aviation technologies since joining in 2022. He has particular expertise in eVTOLs, vertiports, and propulsion systems. A graduate of Falmouth University in Journalism, Joseph began his career in 2019 as a local reporter. His journalism experience sharpens both his reporting and interview skills, enabling him to deliver well-informed, authoritative insights on the latest trends in the aviation sector. Connect

Latest Articles

Archer to Supply Proprietary Electric Powertrain for Autonomous Air Vehicle Development

Archer Aviation has signed its first third-party deal to supply the dual-use, proprietary electric powertrain from its Midnight eVTOL for the development of Anduril and EDGE Group’s new Omen Autonomous Air Vehicle system

Nov 24, 2025
Skyportz Unveils Aeroberm Vertipad at Dubai Airshow

New modular landing system from Skyports aims to enable property developers and asset owners to join the Advanced Air Mobility network affordably and safely

Nov 21, 2025
Hybrid-Electric VTOL Aircraft Program Secures Major Investment & Partnership

Ambitious Air Mobility Group is partnering with Zuri.com to accelerate the certification and production of hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing platforms

Nov 20, 2025
EHang Completes Pilotless eVTOL Flights in Doha

EHang's trial operation demonstrated the potential for Urban Air Mobility and aerial shuttle service in the Middle East, connecting key city landmarks

Nov 19, 2025
Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL Prototype Enters Piloted Transition Testing Stage

Vertical Aerospace begins Phase 4 transition testing of its VX4 prototype after receiving a Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, marking the start of piloted transition evaluations

Nov 18, 2025
TCab Tech Launches Global ‘Air Silk Road’ Initiative & NexAvian Partnership to Drive eVTOL Expansion

The program, launched at the China International Import Expo, is designed to build a global ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility and accelerate the international rollout of the E20 eVTOL

Nov 17, 2025