AURA AERO has opened the first of two new production sites in Florida as it aims to become the world’s first manufacturer of hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
The first site is an 11,000 sq. ft facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park, which will also serve as the French company’s US headquarters.
It will host the North American delivery and customer support centre for the company’s INTEGRAL aircraft, and will lay the groundwork for its hybrid-electric ERA aircraft.
The initial production line will build the INTEGRAL family of two-seater, aerobatic-capable training aircraft – offered first with a Lycoming piston engine and subsequently in a 100% electric version.
In 2028, AURA AERO plans to open a 500,000 sq. ft assembly line for its 19-seater ERA aircraft, and intends to be the world’s first to manufacture a hybrid-electric regional aircraft, operating assembly lines in France and the US.
The company said the US is currently one of its strongest markets for orders of the ERA aircraft, accounting for more than one third of orders worldwide.
The ERA's current letter of intent (LOI) book stands at over 650 aircraft, worth more than $10.5bn.
The opening of the Florida site follows a partnership signed two years ago with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency, played a key role in supporting the project, which is expected to create more than 1,000 high-skilled jobs in the region.