AURA AERO Wins First Binding Order for ERA
On March 2, French aircraft developer AURA AERO signed its first firm contract for the ERA regional hybrid-electric aircraft. The buyer is Pan Européenne Air Service, a business aviation operator based at Lyon and Chambéry airports.
The number of aircraft ordered has not been disclosed.
This agreement marks a key milestone for the ERA program, which until now had only secured non-binding commitments.
From Letters of Intent to Firm Deal
Before this contract, AURA AERO had signed letters of intent with 16 carriers covering more than 700 ERA aircraft, representing an estimated $12 billion pipeline.
The deal with Pan Européenne Air Service is the first legally binding financial commitment, signaling growing market confidence in hybrid-electric regional aviation.
About the Operator
Pan Européenne Air Service has been active in business aviation for nearly 50 years, serving up to 500 destinations across:
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Europe
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North Africa
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The Middle East
The company currently operates five aircraft from Embraer:
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EMB-135LR
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EMB-145LR
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Phenom 100E
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Phenom 300
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Phenom 300E
ERA Aircraft: Key Specifications
The ERA is designed as a next-generation regional aircraft focused on efficiency and lower emissions.
Main highlights:
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Capacity: 19 passengers
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Range: up to 1,500 km
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Propulsion: hybrid-electric
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Electric motors: eight Safran ENGINeUS units
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Turbogenerators: compatible with SAF sustainable aviation fuel
According to AURA AERO, the hybrid system can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional thermal aircraft in the same class.
Entry Into Service Timeline
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Commercial service target: 2030
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US production site: Daytona Beach International Airport
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Construction start: late 2026
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First aircraft assembly: Q4 2028
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Planned capacity: 100 aircraft per year
Why It Matters
The first firm order for the ERA marks an important step toward commercial hybrid-electric regional aviation. If development stays on schedule, the aircraft could become one of the earliest low-emission solutions for short-haul regional routes.