From Takeoff to Touchdown: Flagship Manages Elroy Air’s Transition to New Facility

Categories: Aviation, Library, Project Management, San Francisco

Founded in 2016, Elroy Air develops autonomous cargo aircraft systems to expand the reach of express shipping, provide humanitarian aid in regions with challenging infrastructure, and enable rapid, autonomous aerial resupply to troops in the field.

The Chaparral – Elroy Air’s Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aerial cargo platform – will carry 300-500 pounds of cargo over a 300-mile range with its hybrid-electric powertrain and simple, redundant lift and forward-flight motors.

The Challenge

In recent years, autonomous aircraft systems have experienced a remarkable rise in popularity and utility. Initially developed for military use, these aircraft are now used across a wide range of industries – from agriculture and infrastructure to transportation and logistics.

As business applications have increased, so too has demand for the technology. Elroy Air continues to grow rapidly as it works to fulfill this emerging need.

In the fall of 2021, Elroy Air decided to relocate to a larger facility in South San Francisco. It would need an experienced partner to oversee the move and various building improvements without disrupting its production schedule or upward growth trajectory.

The Solution

Elroy Air turned to Flagship to manage a number of facilities improvement projects – including everything from lighting upgrades to construction and painting. Not only did the 35,000-square-foot facility need new electrical and mechanical infrastructure, but it also required breakroom updates and the addition of a mothers’ room.

Flagship helped Elroy Air complete these projects on time and within budget, despite facing significant supply chain issues. By relying on its extensive network of partner suppliers and contractors, Flagship was able to source the workers and materials it needed to get the jobs done. The team also installed a new compressed air system and epoxy flooring, coated and striped the manufacturing floor, removed old window tint, and organized the client’s stock.

The Outcome

In just a few short years, Elroy Air has secured millions of dollars in funding and more than $2 billion in aircraft purchase demand for upwards of 900 Chaparral systems. Flagship helped Elroy Air transition to its new state-of-the-art facility without a break in operations, enabling the company to fulfill its commitments to investors.

Flagship’s scalable organizational structure enables it to grow with and meet the evolving needs of companies like Elroy Air. From facility moves to building construction, there’s no project too big or small. In fact, Flagship continues to provide facilities services to Elroy Air on an ad-hoc basis and support the company as it forges a new path in aerospace technology.