EDF Group has increased its stake in electric aircraft maker AURA AERO to €2 million, in line with its efforts to “accelerate the decarbonisation of aviation”.
The investment, which is held through EDF Group subsidiary SAFIDI, is designed to provide long-term support for the growth of low-carbon, regional light aircraft manufacturing in France.
“In a context where aviation must significantly reduce its emissions, EDF Group is stepping up its support for AURA AERO to accompany the sector's energy transition,” said the French multinational utility company.
“By committing to this innovative industrial player, EDF Group is contributing to the development of electric and hybrid aircraft and participating in the structuring of a sector of the future.”
AURA AERO is currently developing ERA, a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft with nearly 700 purchase intentions, valued at $12 billion.
Through its investment, EDF Group will deploy its energy expertise to the project, in areas such as battery performance, charging management, and the integration of electrical components into airport platforms.
At the same time, AURA AERO’s two-seater INTEGRAL range of training aircraft continues to advance in production and development.
The first INTEGRAL R aircraft have been delivered, and the INTEGRAL S is moving towards certification.
The INTEGRAL E, the first 100% electric two-seater aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, is undergoing a flight test campaign following its maiden flight in December 2024.
Beyond its financial commitment, EDF Group is making the expertise of its R&D and engineering teams available to AURA AERO and the wider aviation sector.
“These teams are working on the development and advanced testing of batteries, as well as the deployment of charging infrastructure dedicated to electric aviation, aiming at standardisation and interoperability at European level,” said EDF Group.