Switzerland’s H55 Is Electric Aviation’s Latest Downsizer

Electric propulsion system developer cuts nearly half its workforce after a key certification milestone.

Jack Daleo

Monday, June 29, 2026 at 01:41 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

BRM Aero’s Bristell B23 Energic, powered by H55’s electric propulsion system, flies over the Hamptons in New York in 2025. [Credit: H55]

Key Takeaways:

Swiss electric aviation firm H55 laid off 54 employees, nearly half its workforce, as part of a strategic refocus towards new opportunities in autonomy, defense, and specialized certifiable energy solutions.
This downsizing reflects broader "growing pains" in the electric aviation sector, with multiple companies facing financial difficulties, bankruptcies, or workforce reductions despite significant investment and technological progress.
Despite industry challenges, H55 has achieved key milestones, including successful EASA safety testing for its electric propulsion system and securing over 100 orders for its applications, demonstrating its proven technology and partnerships.

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Swiss propulsion system developer H55 is the latest electric aviation firm to scale down amid growing pains for the sector.

Per a news release shared with FLYING on Monday, H55 laid off 54 employees following a “comprehensive review” of the business and its activities. According to Aviation Week, which was first to report the cuts, H55 employed 109 people before the move, meaning the company slashed close to half of its workforce. It had originally estimated 80 layoffs.