Engineers at Toulouse, France-based startup Aura Aero have started to build the first prototype of its ERA hybrid-electric aircraft with the aim of flying it for the first time next year.
The number of orders for the ERA hybrid-electric 19-seater has passed 650, after the company announced 100 new orders and five new customers at the Paris Air Show 2025 this week. Aura Aero values the pre-orders at US$10.5 billion.
New customers include Greek airline Marathon, which made 20 firm orders for the ERA, with options for a further 20 and South Korean lessor Solyu, which ordered 20 with an option for a further 20. Lithuanian charter operator JumpAir ordered up to 20 ERAs and Kenya-based regional carrier Safarilink ordered up to 6.
Finally, an “undisclosed European customer” ordered three ERA aircraft with an option for a further three.
ERA is scheduled to enter service by 2030.
Jérémy Caussade, president and co-founder of Aura Aero said, “Just four years after launching the program, announcing today over 650 pre-orders for this aircraft, representing more than $10.5 billion in value is a major milestone for us.
“Earlier this year, we launched production of the first prototype parts, with a maiden flight planned in 2027 and entry into service by the end of the decade. ERA is designed to reconnect people in regions where aviation remains essential for accessibility, while playing a key role in decarbonizing air transport and revitalizing regional aviation.”
ERA’s propulsion system will feature eight Safran ENGINeUS electric motors and two SAF-compatible turbo-generators. The aircraft will alternate between hybrid and electric modes during flight and have a range of up to 1000 miles (1,500 km).
ERA is one of several hybrid-electric regional aircraft developers including Heart and Volt Aero that aim to disrupt the regional aviation market.
Enbata drone program launched
Additionally at the Paris Air Show, Aura Aero revealed it has been contracted to develop a drone for the French military
The Enabata program is targeting 2026 for its first flight. The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone will have a maximum weight of 4,409lb (2 tons), be able to carry up to 2,205lb (1 ton) of payload and have a flight endurance of up to 55 hours.
“Aura Aero is honored to have been selected by the French Ministry of Defense and the DGA – Direction Générale de l’Armement, who are supporting the first stage of prototype development,” said Caussade.
Similar to the Airbus SIRTAP drone, ENBATA is ITAR-free (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and does not have USA components, freeing up its production and supply internationally.
Also working on the Enbata program are Safran, Thales and defense firm Aresia. Enabata is being designed to perform strategic intelligence, armed reconnaissance, electronic warfare, maritime surveillance, communication relay, and anti-drone operations.
The Integral aircraft family
Aura Aero was founded in 2018 and employs around 200 people. The company is also developing the Integral family of light aircraft. It certified the first Integral, the ‘R’ two-seater training aircraft at the end of last year.
Other aircraft in the Integral family include the ‘S’ variant, which is continuing through its flight test campaign with the aim of certification this year, and the all-electric ‘E’, which performed its first flight in December 2024 and should be certified within two years.
