Elixir Aircraft has delivered the first aircraft to Rubric Aviation, out of the first batch of aircraft ordered. The delivery took place at La Rochelle airport in the presence of the owner. This first aircraft will be integrated into the fleet of Fife Flight Centre, a flying school based at Fife airport in Scotland.
Rubric Aviation modernises its fleet with Elixir Aircraft
For Rubric Aviation, the Elixir aircraft represent a leap forward in aviation training. Featuring modern avionics and advanced design, these aircraft offer an unparalleled learning platform for aspiring pilots. The Elixir’s small ecological footprint and the resulting significant reduction in fuel costs played a part in the choice. Another essential criteria for a school is the reduced need for maintenance thanks to the innovative aircraft construction, enabling more time to be spent in the air and optimising fleet availability.
Maximizing Long-Term Value
For Rubric Aviation, it is a strategic investment. Incorporating OneShot technology and cutting-edge avionics, these aircraft are built to be safer, greener, with a reduced operating cost and retain their value over a longer period.
“This acquisition reflects Rubric Aviation’s commitment to excellence in training and operational efficiency. The Elixir aircraft deliver on all fronts—modern technology for our students, cost savings for our operations, and long-term value for our stakeholders. We are excited to lead the way in transforming aviation training for the future.” said Ian A Henderson, CEO of Rubric Aviation.
Fife Flight Centre, the operator and 1st UK flight school equipped with Elixir
With Elixir Aircraft certified by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) at the end of 2024, the aircraft purchased by Rubric Aviation will be placed in the fleet of the Fife Flight Centre, located in Fife, Scotland.
“We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Elixir aircraft at Fife Airport, placing cutting-edge, 100% glass cockpit technology at the core of our future training courses. These state-of-the-art aircraft will provide aspiring aviators with a seamless transition from their first flight to the modern flight deck, equipping them with the skills needed for a successful aviation career. Having followed the development of the Elixir over several years, we are excited to finally introduce them to our fleet. This investment reflects our commitment to delivering the highest standard of flight training and preparing the next generation of pilots for the future of aviation.” said James Watt, flight instructor at Fife Flight Centre.
“Thank you to Rubric Aviation and Fife Flight Centre for their vote of confidence in our aircraft. They are our first customers in the UK and will be excellent ambassadors for our industrial expertise. We look forward to continuing to support them in their operations, offering them a reliable, high-performance fleet.” said Arthur Léopold-Léger, CEO and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft.
Elixir Aircraft is a French aircraft manufacturer founded in 2015 to meet the challenges of global light aviation. Based in La Rochelle, it has over 150 employees and is recruiting massively. Elixir Aircraft designed and has been building a 4th-generation two-seater aircraft, certified EASA CS-23 since 2020. Elixir Aircraft uses technology from the world of competitive sailing, the “Carbon Oneshot” (in one piece), to simplify structures. More simplicity means fewer failures, so greater safety, but also less maintenance, and lower costs (estimates of savings of $50/h fuel and maintenance). At the end of 2021, Elixir Aircraft opened a new production site in Périgny, Charente Maritime, to bring production of all carbon parts in-house.
There are 30 Elixir aircraft currently in operation, with over 300 of the 4th-generation Elixir aircraft on the order book (firm orders, pre-orders and letters of intent). In June 2023, the French President announced a 13-million euro subsidy for Elixir Aircraft. In early 2024, Elixir Aircraft announced the closing of its development financing for the next 5 years, with a budget of 40 million euros. Elixir Aircraft is preparing to open a new 15,000 m2 facility in La Rochelle and another in Sarasota, Florida.
