AURA AERO: Leading the Charge in Hybrid-Electric Aviation
French aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO has reached a significant milestone with its first firm order for the ERA, a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft. The order, placed by Pan Européenne Air Service, a French executive aviation operator, marks a significant step toward decarbonized commercial aviation.
The ERA aircraft is designed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of air travel. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional thermal aircraft in its category. The ERA will be powered by eight electric ENGINeUS motors—developed by Safran and recognized as the world’s first certified electric aircraft engine—along with two sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatible turbogenerators. The aircraft will automatically switch between hybrid and electric modes depending on the flight phase, offering a range of up to 900 nautical miles (1,500 km).
Pan Européenne Air Service, a company with nearly 50 years of experience operating customized business flights with a fleet of five Embraer aircraft, aims to become one of the first operators in the world to fly a hybrid-electric aircraft with paying passengers. The airline has been supporting the ERA program from its inception and recently participated in flight testing of AURA AERO’s fully electric two-seat training aircraft, the INTEGRAL E.
To date, the ERA has accumulated nearly 700 letters of intent from 16 international airlines and fleet operators, valued at $12 billion. The manufacturer is targeting 2030 for the aircraft’s certification and entry into service, with the first prototype testing expected to begin by the end of 2026.
Source: Flightglobal.com