FutureFlight Logo
USER MENU
The Future of Advanced Air Mobility
Aura Aero is developing a 19-seat hybrid-electric airliner called the Electric Regional Aircraft. (Image: Aura Aero)

The Electric Regional Aircraft (ERA) is a hybrid-electric airliner being developed by French start-up Aura Aero. As of early 2023, the company was projecting entry into service in 2027, based on the assumption that it would have a full-scale prototype ready to start flight testing in 2024. By the end of 2022, Aura Aero had reported the signing of letters of intent covering provisional sales for more than 330 aircraft.

The fixed-wing design features six sets of propellers and a dual-tail configuration. Aura Aero claims the ERA, for which French aerospace group Safran is developing the propulsion system, will deliver direct operating costs of just €0.10 per seat-kilometer. With a stand-up, pressurized cabin the ERA is intended to carry up to 19 passengers or 1,900 kg (4,180 pounds). The aircraft is intended to take off on battery power alone, in order to reduce noise, and then use a turbine during cruise flight. 

Aura Aero is projecting a maximum payload range of 200 nmi (230 miles), rising to a maximum range of 800 nmi, with a cruise speed of 250 knots. The company says the ERA will be able to operate in STOL mode from a runway length of 800 meters (2,624 feet).

The company is also developing the Integral family of two-seat trainers and general aviation aircraft, including the all-electric Integral E model.

Outlook

Our objective assessment of this program’s probable success.

FutureFlight assesses the probability of success for a new aircraft program by considering the following criteria:

  • Total investment funds available in proportion to the anticipated cost of getting an aircraft certified and in service
  • A company’s in-house capability (in terms of numbers of engineers, technical staff, and customer support teams)
  • The past experience of the company and its senior leadership in developing aircraft
  • The caliber and past experience of key program partners
  • Whether key aircraft systems have been selected and are available for use
  • Whether the preliminary design review has been completed
  • Whether the design for the full-scale prototype has been completed
  • Whether the type certification process has been formally initiated with an appropriate regulator
  • Whether the company has achieved a first flight with a full-scale prototype
  • The number of hours logged in a flight test program
  • Whether type certification has been achieved
  • The number of orders and commitment received for the aircraft
  • Whether the company has adequate facilities to begin series production of the aircraft
Our Methodology

Aura Aero says its Electric Regional Aircraft program, which now enjoys the support of credible aerospace players Safran (for propulsion systems) and Thales (avionics), is backed by letters of intent covering more than 330 prospective orders from companies including leasing group Amadeo. What is less clear, as of early 2023, is whether the French start-up has sufficient capital to fund an ambitious plan to have a prototype of the 19-seat hybrid-electric airliner ready to start flight testing in 2024 en route to anticipated type certification in 2027. The latter target date has already slipped by a year, but the company did receive its Part 21G manufacturing approval from French aviation regulator DGAC in November 2021.

At the same time, the company is also working on the Integral family of light aircraft, which would include an all-electric version of the two-seat trainer called the Integral E. This project was set back by a fatal flight test accident involving the Integral R piston-powered prototype in April 2022.

Electric Regional Aircraft Models

Electric Regional Aircraft Specifications

local regional Fixed Wing
Imperial/Metric

Performance

  • Passenger Capacity
    19
  • Range
    920 mi
  • Cruise Speed
    288 mph
  • Powerplant Type
    propeller
  • Power Source
    hybrid_fe
  • Endurance
    n/a
  • Max Altitude
    n/a
  • Takeoff Distance
    n/a
  • Landing Distance
    n/a
  • Empty Weight
    n/a
  • MGTOW
    18,920 lb
  • Payload Weight
    4,180 lb

Dimensions

  • Length
    n/a
  • Width
    n/a
  • Height
    n/a
  • Wingspan
    n/a

Aura Aero is developing the hybrid-electric Electric Regional Aircraft for passenger and cargo services. It aims to get the fixed-wing design into commercial service in 2027.

Key Personnel

Jeremy Caussade is president and chief engineer of Aura Aero.
Jeremy Caussade

Chief engineer, President