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

Partners Plan UK Electric Air Taxi Network for 2029

New partnership between Vertical Aerospace, Skyports Infrastructure and Bristow aims to cut Canary Wharf to Heathrow journey times to 12 minutes using eVTOL aircraft

Dec 16, 2025
Europe’s First Multi Point-to-Point Urban Emergency Flights Conducted with Pilotless eVTOL

EHang completes Europe’s first pilotless eVTOL emergency response flights, delivering point-to-point urban operations in Zaragoza under the EU-funded U-SAVE project, advancing scalable urban air mobility

Dec 15, 2025
Vertical Unveils Valo Next-Generation eVTOL Platform

Vertical Aerospace has introduced Valo, a next-generation eVTOL featuring advanced aerodynamics, enhanced safety architecture, and class-leading payload capacity as it progresses toward 2028 certification

Dec 12, 2025
Horizon Aircraft Selects Motion Applied to Engineer Silicon Carbide Inverters for Cavorite X7

Former Formula 1 technology arm to supply lightweight power electronics aimed at optimizing efficiency for the hybrid-electric Cavorite X7

Dec 11, 2025
MoU Signed to Support Switchblade Flying Car Expansion in Saudi Arabia

Samson Sky and the Saudi Aviation Club have entered a partnership supporting Vision 2030, advancing Switchblade Flying Car training, approval, and use of SAC facilities following their MoU at Sand & Fun Airshow 2025

Dec 10, 2025
Vertical Aerospace Secures Syensqo Composites for VX4 Industrialisation & Certification

Long-term partnership ensures supply of advanced lightweight materials for the entire aircraft structure as the company targets a 2028 entry into service

Dec 09, 2025