In a strategic move, French based Aura Aero a pioneer in low-carbon aviation has inaugurated an 11,000 sq ft U.S. headquarters and production site within the Research Park of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, underscoring the growing importance of advanced composite structures in next generation aviation. The facility will manufacture the Integral two seat aerobatic trainer initially piston powered and ultimately fully electric, before scaling up to the ERA hybrid electric 19 seat regional aircraft, signalling a pivotal moment for composite intensive manufacturing in the U.S. pilot training and regional aircraft sectors. According to Aura Aero, the INTEGRAL line uses a wood carbon design , i.e., a hybrid of traditional wood structure combined with carbon fibre reinforcement.

For the INTEGRAL product line, Aura Aero has  made the bold and deliberate choice of wood-carbon, a hybrid composite material which combines tradition with high performance materials. Reinforced with carbon fiber elements, it achieves levels of strength and rigidity comparable to the most advanced composites, while being more environmentally friendly.

The campus will host the North American Delivery and Customer Support Center for the INTEGRAL program and lay the groundwork for the company s hybrid-electric ERA aircraft. The initial production line will build the INTEGRAL family of two-seater, aerobatic-capable training aircraft, offered rst with a Lycoming piston engine and subsequently in a 100% electric version.

The U.S. is the largest training market in the world, with nearly 600 FAA-approved ight schools, over 75,000 pilots and a growing demand for modern, cost-effective training aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, and is therefore a major market for INTEGRAL. Recently certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and with FAA certification underway, the INTEGRAL family offers an advanced, efficient solution for both traditional and electric flight training, making it a strong contender in the U.S. market.

In 2028, AURA AERO plans to open a 500,000 sq. ft assembly line for its 19-seater aircraft ERA and intends to be the world s rst to manufacture a hybrid-electric regional aircraft, operating assembly lines in France and the U.S.

The United States has emerged as one of the strongest markets for ERA, now accounting for more than one-third of the orders worldwide. The company expects U.S. volumes to approach half of its global total as additional commitments are nalized.

The current LOI book stands at over 650 ERA aircraft, for more than $10.5 billion. Florida s 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.

Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said, Today s announcement by AURA AERO and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University is a shining example of the Governor s leadership in growing Florida s aviation industries, focus on fostering the talent to support innovative aviation job creators, and development of a market in which innovators can invest capital con dently. Congratulations to the teams at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, AURA AERO, Space Florida and Team Volusia for reaching this milestone in developing this unique partnership embedded into Embry Riddle s campus, and eventually leading to full manufacturing and product delivery, creating hundreds of high demand jobs in next-generation aviation technology. This is a journey that began at the 2023 Paris Air Show, with the initial commitment announced at the 2024 Farnborough Air Show, and a commitment that came about because of an incredible team effort.

Florida has long been a leader in aeronautics and space, and the technical expertise of its workforce is a tremendous asset in asserting our leadership in the electric and hybrid-electric aviation sectors, said J r my Caussade, president and co-founder of AURA AERO. The State of Florida, Space Florida and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University have always believed in us and supported us from the beginning in this project, which is now coming to fruition.

The opening of AURA AERO s headquarters at Embry Riddle s Research Park marks a signi cant milestone in our collaboration with an innovative company shaping the future of sustainable aviation, said Embry Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D.  AURA AERO s presence enhances our research ecosystem and offers unparalleled opportunities for students and faculty to engage directly with next-generation electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.

AURA AERO s investment is another example of how Florida continues to lead the way in aerospace growth and innovation, said Space Florida Board Chair Jeanette Nu ez. This milestone reflects the success of our strategy to attract companies that are redefining how and where the future of flight is built.

We seek and foster opportunities to put Florida at the forefront of technological transformations, said Space Florida President & CEO Rob Long.  AURA AERO represents the kind of progress and innovation that will move the aerospace industry forward for the better.