AURA AERO: French Aviation Firm Secures €340M for Eco-Friendly Aviation Expansion
AURA AERO, a leading French aircraft manufacturer, has successfully raised a total of €340 million in funding. This significant financial boost is aimed at accelerating the industrial production of its innovative electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, as announced by the company earlier this week.
The funding comprises a fresh €50 million Series B equity round, €120 million in grants from Europe, and a substantial €170 million contribution from the State of Florida. This U.S. state funding is specifically earmarked for the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the United States.
Based in Toulouse, the startup has outlined plans to utilize the capital to propel three core programs. These include:
- The inaugural flight of its ERA hybrid-electric 19-seat regional aircraft,
- Scaling up the production of the INTEGRAL training aircraft, and
- Expanding the operations of its ENBATA military drone.
The company has already secured building permits for a new factory at Toulouse-Francazal Airport. Additionally, it is in the process of developing a second production site in Daytona Beach, Florida, with backing from Space Florida.
“AURA AERO is taking things to the next level. Funding, firm orders, and manufacturing facilities are no longer just prospects, they are realities,” said Antoine Blin, Chief of Staff at AURA AERO.
The funding round attracted major investors such as Safran Corporate Ventures, EDF, the European Innovation Council Fund, Bpifrance, and the Florida Opportunity Fund.
Upon becoming fully operational, both manufacturing sites are projected to produce 50 INTEGRAL aircraft and 100 ERA aircraft annually. The company has already initiated the delivery of INTEGRAL trainers and is targeting the ERA’s maiden flight in late 2027. This positions AURA AERO as a frontrunner in the drive towards decarbonizing regional aviation.
Source: Aviation24