Aura Aero launches hybrid electric aircraft production in Florida

Aura Aero’s U.S. Gambit: Forging a Hybrid-Electric Future in Florida

The aviation industry stands at a critical juncture, facing mounting pressure to decarbonize and innovate. In this landscape, French aircraft manufacturer Aura Aero is making a significant transatlantic move, establishing its U.S. headquarters and production facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida. This strategic expansion is not merely about entering a new market; it represents a bold ambition to become the first company to manufacture a hybrid-electric regional aircraft in the United States. The move signals a pivotal moment for low-carbon aviation, bringing pioneering European technology to the heart of America’s aerospace sector.

Founded in 2018, Aura Aero has quickly positioned itself as a key player in the push for greener air transport. The company’s decision to set up shop in Florida is a calculated one, aiming to leverage the state’s robust aerospace ecosystem while engaging directly with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aircraft certification. By establishing a physical presence, Aura Aero intends to build a bridge between European innovation and the world’s largest aviation market, setting the stage for the assembly and delivery of its next-generation aircraft on U.S. soil.

Why Florida? A Strategic Hub for Aerospace Innovation

Aura Aero’s choice of Daytona Beach was driven by a confluence of strategic advantages. Jérémy Caussade, the company’s President and co-founder, highlighted Florida’s established leadership in aeronautics and space as a primary factor. The region offers a rich ecosystem that includes the proximity of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a world-renowned institution that provides a pipeline of technical expertise and research collaboration opportunities. This academic partnership is foundational to Aura Aero’s U.S. operations, with its initial facility located directly within the university’s Research Park.

Beyond academia, the location is strategically positioned near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and various U.S. military installations, creating a dynamic environment of innovation and industry synergy. This concentration of aerospace activity provides access to a skilled workforce and a network of potential partners and suppliers. Furthermore, the project has garnered significant support from the state. Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency, has backed the expansion with a substantial incentive package, underscoring Florida’s commitment to attracting pioneering technology companies and cementing its status as a global aerospace hub.

“Florida has long been a leader in aeronautics and space, and the technical expertise of its workforce is a tremendous asset in asserting our leadership in the electric and hybrid-electric aviation sectors.”, Jérémy Caussade, President & Co-founder, Aura Aero.

A Phased Approach to U.S. Production

Aura Aero is implementing a deliberate, two-phase plan for its U.S. manufacturing operations. The first phase, already underway, involves an 11,000-square-foot facility at the Embry-Riddle Research Park. This site serves as the company’s U.S. headquarters and will house the final assembly line for its INTEGRAL family of two-seater training aircraft. It will also function as the North American Delivery and Customer Support Center, establishing an immediate foothold in the market. Assembly of the INTEGRAL is slated to begin in 2026, with the first U.S.-assembled aircraft delivered before 2027.

The second phase marks a significant escalation in the company’s U.S. commitment. Aura Aero plans to construct a new 500,000-square-foot factory in Daytona Beach, dedicated to the final assembly of its flagship product, the ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft. Construction is scheduled to start in 2026, with the plant expected to become operational in late 2028. This facility is designed to produce 100 aircraft per year, supplementing the main production site in Toulouse, France. This phased strategy allows the company to build trust and operational experience with its certified INTEGRAL aircraft while preparing for the large-scale production of the more complex ERA.

This expansion is projected to have a substantial economic impact on the region, with the creation of over 1,000 high-skilled jobs. The move is also a direct response to strong market demand. The U.S. represents a primary market for both of Aura Aero’s aircraft families, being the world’s largest for pilot training. Notably, more than one-third of the 650+ pre-orders for the ERA aircraft, valued at over $10.5 billion, originate from U.S. customers.

The Aircraft Portfolio: From Training to Regional Transport

Aura Aero’s product strategy is built on a portfolio designed to address different segments of the aviation market while advancing the cause of decarbonization. The two main pillars of this strategy are the INTEGRAL family of training aircraft and the revolutionary ERA regional aircraft. This dual focus allows the company to generate revenue and build a market presence with a certified product while developing its more ambitious hybrid-electric platform.

The INTEGRAL Family: Building a Foundation

The INTEGRAL is a two-seater, aerobatic-capable training aircraft that serves as a crucial stepping stone for Aura Aero’s U.S. ambitions. The family includes several variants: the piston-engine INTEGRAL R, the nosewheel-configured INTEGRAL S, and the all-electric INTEGRAL E. The thermal engine models are already certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the INTEGRAL S is expected to receive FAA certification in 2026.

The all-electric INTEGRAL E is particularly noteworthy, with two prototypes already conducting flight tests in Florida. It is projected to achieve both FAA and EASA certification by the end of 2026, with first deliveries anticipated in early 2027. By introducing the INTEGRAL to the U.S. market first, Aura Aero can establish its manufacturing processes, build relationships with customers and regulators, and demonstrate its capabilities. As Caussade noted, using the two-seater is a great help in building the company, as it is “almost impossible to jump directly to such a big thing like 19 seats as a new company.”

The ERA: A New Era for Regional Aviation

The centerpiece of Aura Aero’s vision is the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft), a 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft designed to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of regional air travel. The ERA aims to cut CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional aircraft in its class. Its advanced propulsion system features eight Safran ENGINeUS electric motors and two turbogenerators that are compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), allowing it to operate in either hybrid or all-electric modes.

The aircraft’s performance specifications are tailored for the regional market, with a planned range of up to 900 nautical miles (1,667 km) and a cruise speed of 300 knots (556 km/h). Its ability to operate from short runways (as little as 800 meters) opens up new possibilities for connecting smaller, underserved communities. The ERA‘s versatile design also allows for multiple configurations, including a 19-seat passenger layout, a 9-seat business version (ERA Exclusive), a cargo variant capable of carrying up to 2 tons, and platforms for special missions.

The development of the ERA is progressing steadily. The final design is now frozen, and the assembly of the first prototype is underway in Toulouse. The first flight is scheduled for late 2027, with certification targeted for 2029 and entry into service expected by 2030. This timeline positions the ERA to be a first-mover in the emerging market for sustainable regional aviation.

Conclusion: A Calculated Step Toward a Greener Sky

Aura Aero’s expansion into Florida is more than a corporate relocation; it is a strategic and symbolic move that underscores the growing momentum behind sustainable aviation. By establishing a U.S. production base, the company is not only positioning itself to capture a significant share of the world’s largest aviation market but is also accelerating the certification and adoption of hybrid-electric technology. The phased approach, starting with the INTEGRAL trainer before scaling up to the ERA, demonstrates a pragmatic and calculated strategy for long-term success.

The successful launch of the ERA could have profound implications for regional air transport, making it more sustainable, accessible, and economically viable. Aura Aero’s investment in Florida, backed by strong state and institutional support, highlights the collaborative effort required to drive such a technological shift. As the company moves forward with its ambitious timeline, the global aviation industry will be watching closely, as the skies over Daytona Beach may soon become the proving ground for the future of flight.

FAQ

Question: What is the main goal of Aura Aero’s expansion into Florida?

Answer: Aura Aero’s primary goal is to become the first manufacturer of a hybrid-electric regional aircraft in the United States by establishing a U.S. headquarters and two production facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida, for its INTEGRAL and ERA aircraft.

Question: What is the ERA aircraft?

Answer: The ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft) is a 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft designed to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It features eight electric motors and two turbogenerators compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a range of up to 900 nautical miles.

Question: What is the timeline for Aura Aero’s U.S. production?

Answer: The plan is in two phases. Phase 1 involves assembling the INTEGRAL training aircraft starting in 2026. Phase 2 involves a larger factory for the final assembly of the ERA aircraft, which is planned to be operational in late 2028, with the ERA expected to enter service by 2030.

Sources: AURA AERO Press Release