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:

H55, a Swiss electric aviation firm, laid off 54 employees (nearly half its workforce) to recalibrate its focus towards new opportunities for its electric propulsion systems in autonomy and defense, amidst broader industry "growing pains."
This downsizing is symptomatic of wider struggles in the electric aviation sector, with several other companies facing bankruptcies or significant workforce reductions as the industry transitions from technology development to commercial deployment.
Despite the layoffs and industry challenges, H55 has achieved key certification milestones for its electric propulsion system and maintains significant partnerships, showcasing its proven technology and market potential in applications like trainer aircraft and hybrid-electric demonstrators.

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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.