Aura Aero plans US expansion with Florida-based manufacturing plant

Next-gen electric aircraft start-up, Aura Aero, continues to go from strength to strength having unveiled plans to build a manufacturing and assembly plant at Daytona Beach International Airport in Volusia County.

The French company plans to produce 100 of its 19-seater hybrid-electric regional aircraft (ERA) per year at the new US facility. Construction on the plant will begin in 2026 with Aura planning to begin assembling aircraft there in Q4 2028.

With the French company working on its Integral two-seater training aircraft with aerobatic capabilities at Toulouse-Francazal Airport, it sees the development of its footprint in the US as a strategic next step. Jeremy Caussade, AURA AERO CEO, said the area and its leadership “support economic growth and development along with technological advancement.”

The investment is expected to bring over 1,000 high-paying jobs to the region and underpins the importance of capital investment in Volusia County. Volusia County manager, George Recktenwald said the confirmation of Aura’s new location “is a tremendous win for the local and regional economy.” It also highlights the “strength and strategic importance of our airport and positions our community as a hub for cutting-edge technology.”

Earlier this month, Electricite de France (EDF) Group confirmed its acquisition of a stake in Aura, while the French manufacturer confirmed in July  that it had received €17.5 million of funding from the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) to expedite the development of its hybrid-electric aircraft. It is also supported by the French state in the frame of the France 2030 plan.