Elixir Aircraft now converts pre-orders into firm orders after recent US certification in July 2025. With over 200 pre-orders in the United States, first deliveries are scheduled to Cirrus Aviation early this year. This Florida-based flight training organization was the first to invest in the modern 4th generation aircraft with an initial order of ten. The first two Elixir aircraft are on schedule to be delivered this Spring, 2026.
Cirrus Aviation, based in Sarasota, Florida, has been a leading US flight training organization for more than thirty years. As part of its long-term fleet renewal strategy, the company has closely followed the development of the Elixir aircraft and has supported Elixir Aircraft in the upcoming establishment of its reassembly facility in Sarasota.
Cirrus Aviation has placed a firm order for ten Elixir aircraft following the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) issuance of Part 23 certification to Elixir Aircraft in July 2025, reflecting the company’s commitment to timely fleet renewal and early operational integration.
When announcing the news to its customers and employees, Cirrus Aviation described the Elixir as an FAA Part 23-certified two-seat trainer aircraft representing a new generation of aviation engineering. Its innovative design offers exceptional safety, versatility, ease of maintenance and affordability, providing Cirrus Aviation with a forward-looking solution to meet the evolving demands of modern flight training.
“A big thank you to Cirrus Aviation, who, convinced of the advantages that the Elixir brings to the new generation of pilots, has always supported us. This firm order is the first milestone in our adventure outside the European market and in America. We can’t wait to see the first Elixir flying in the skies of Florida.” said Arthur Léopold-Léger, president and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft.
“We are proud and excited to announce the addition of the Elixir to the Cirrus Aviation fleet, an important step forward in 21st-century flight training. We plan to operate the Elixir on an intensive schedule and look forward to evaluating its performance, both operationally and financially. Our relationship with the Elixir team began nearly a decade ago, and from the outset, we were impressed by their professionalism, engineering excellence, problem-solving capability, and—most importantly—their optimistic and collaborative spirit.” said David Cattin, president and founder of Cirrus Aviation.
About Elixir Aircraft
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to address the evolving needs of general aviation. Headquartered in La Rochelle, the company employs more than 200 people. Elixir Aircraft has designed and produces a 4th-generation two-seat training aircraft, certified under EASA CS-23 since 2020 and FAA FAR Part-23 since July 22, 2025. The aircraft incorporates technology inspired by competitive sailing, known as “Carbon Oneshot”, which allows the structure to be built in a single piece. This simplified design reduces the number of components, leading to fewer potential failures, improves safety, reduced maintenance, and lower operating costs (approximately $50 per flight hour for fuel and maintenance).
Today, 50 Elixir aircraft are in active operation, with more than 300 4th generation aircraft included in the company’s order book through firm orders, pre-orders and letters of intent). In June 2023, the French President announced a €13 million subsidy to support Elixir Aircraft’s growth. In early 2024, the company secured €40 million in development funding to support its next five years of operations. In June 2025, Elixir Aircraft was selected by ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) to renew its VFR training fleet. The company is currently preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 (160.000 sq ft) production facility in La Rochelle, along with a reassembly and delivery facility in Sarasota, Florida.
About Cirrus Aviation
Cirrus Aviation, Inc. is an FAA Part 141 Pilot School located in Sarasota, FL. It was founded in 1994 by David Cattin, who remains its President today. The vision guiding the organization has always incorporated the latest technology to better educate and create the aviators of tomorrow.
The company offers training for people from many backgrounds including veterans using the GI Bill, university students through the Liberty University Flight Training Affiliates program, international students on approved Visa’s, and of course the local domestic market learning to fly for fun or for future careers.
Cirrus Aviation has a mixed fleet of a dozen Cessna’s and Pipers, as well as two Alsim Simulators, and employs about 60 people consisting of flight instructors, mechanics, administrators, and dispatchers. It produces about 150 licenses annually, with increased projections. Its transatlantic presence allows it to work with both the FAA and EASA, as well as discover products from abroad and introduce them to the domestic market.
