Technology & Innovation
AURA AERO Secures Permit for New Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Factory in Toulouse
AURA AERO obtains building permit for 50,000 sqm AURA Factory in Toulouse to produce hybrid-electric aircraft and drones by 2028.
This article is based on an official press release from AURA AERO.
French hybrid-electric aircraft developer AURA AERO has reached a major regulatory and industrial milestone, securing the building permit for its new manufacturing facility at Toulouse-Francazal Airport. According to a company press release, the new site, dubbed the AURA Factory, will span 50,000 square meters and serve as the cornerstone of the manufacturer’s push into low-carbon aviation.
The facility is projected to create more than 1,600 direct jobs and generate $2 billion in long-term revenue. The approval clears the way for AURA AERO to significantly scale up its production capabilities as it prepares to bring its next-generation aircraft to market.
“Designed to meet the highest environmental and regulatory standards, AURA Factory embodies a new generation of aerospace facilities, focused on innovation, industrial performance, and environmental responsibility,” AURA AERO stated in its release.
Scaling up hybrid-electric and training programs
The AURA Factory will house the production lines for the company’s diverse portfolio of aircraft. According to the press release, the facility will scale up the manufacturing of the INTEGRAL family of training aircraft, the ENBATA tactical surveillance drone, and the flagship ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft) program.
The ERA is a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to significantly reduce aviation emissions on short-haul routes. To support this transition toward decarbonized aviation, the factory project has received substantial backing. The press release notes that the facility is supported by the French government’s France 2030 investment plan and the European Commission’s Innovation Fund. Industry reports indicate the European Commission’s backing includes a €95 million (approximately $103 million) grant to support the mass production of low-carbon aircraft.
Construction timeline and regional impact
With the building permit now in hand, the operational phase of the project has officially begun. AURA AERO confirmed that site remediation work is currently in progress at the Toulouse-Francazal location.
The company expects to officially break ground on the facility in the second half of 2026. If the construction timeline holds, the AURA Factory is slated to enter service by 2028.
“This milestone would not have been possible without the strong commitment of our public and regional partners. Their support has been instrumental in bringing this major industrial project to life,” the company noted.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the approval of the AURA Factory cements the Occitanie region’s status as a central hub for aerospace innovation and green propulsion technology. For AURA AERO, the 2028 target for the Toulouse facility aligns with its broader global expansion strategy. The company recently established a U.S. headquarters and initial production site in Florida, positioning itself to serve both the European and North American markets as demand for hybrid-electric regional aircraft and modern trainers accelerates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AURA Factory?
The AURA Factory is a planned 50,000-square-meter aerospace manufacturing facility located at Toulouse-Francazal Airport in France, developed by AURA AERO.
When will the AURA Factory open?
Groundbreaking is scheduled for the second half of 2026, with the facility expected to enter service by 2028.
What aircraft will AURA AERO produce at the new factory?
The facility will produce the INTEGRAL family of training aircraft, the ENBATA tactical surveillance drone, and the 19-seat hybrid-electric ERA regional aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: AURA AERO