AURA AERO accelerates expansion in Daytona Beach

Two years after the previous Paris Air show, where a partnership was signed between AURA AERO and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, on the occasion of the visit of Ron de Santis, Governor of Florida on its stand, the French aircraft manufacturer announced the delivery of its first U.S. facility this month at Daytona Beach, opening the way for the company’s deployment in North America.

Supported by Space Florida ($3.4 million funding toward hangar fit-out and associated equipment), the first 10,000 sq. ft hangar, located in Embry-Riddle Research Park, will host the U.S. assembly, delivery, and customer support activities for AURA AERO’s INTEGRAL two-seater trainer aircraft with aerobatic capabilities.

Activities will start with INTEGRAL R, already certified in Europe and under FAA fast track process for U.S. certification.

The hangar will also host two prototypes of INTEGRAL E, the all-electric version, soon to fly in the skies of Daytona Beach to conduct the flight test campaign prior to its entry into service, expected early 2027.

Space Florida welcomes the French pioneer in low-carbon aviation, as its President and CEO Rob Long, says: “AURA AERO’s expansion is a powerful signal of the momentum behind Florida’s advanced aerospace and electric mobility sectors. This project reflects our commitment to innovation, expanding aerospace commerce, and building a more connected future.”

Furthermore, selecting Daytona Beach as the U.S. headquarters of the company and its first facility in the country is also paving the way for a bigger project for AURA AERO: the construction of a 500,000 sq. ft factory dedicated to its 19-seater hybrid-electric aircraft, ERA.

This project, representing the creation of more than 1,000 jobs, received the key support of Space Florida, whose board has approved to mobilize Space Florida’s financial tools to finance up to an extra $200 million.

Jérémy Caussade, CEO and co-founder of AURA AERO comments, “We are extremely grateful for the support of Space Florida and the State of Florida, without whom both these projects could not have happened. The delivery of our first US facility marks a major step for the company and we are truly excited to start operating it and keep moving forward with the second stage, the construction of our 19-seater factory.”

“We welcome AURA AERO as the latest French company to choose Florida to expand its business,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. “A $200 million investment, this expansion will create over 1,000 high-wage jobs for Floridians and strengthen Florida’s leadership in aerospace innovation and advanced manufacturing.”

ERA is to be a hybrid-electric and eco-responsible aircraft designed to revitalize regional aviation while accelerating the decarbonization of aviation. Offering a solution for different missions (passenger transport, business, cargo, or special missions), ERA offers sustainability (up to 80% reduction of CO₂ emissions compared with thermal aircraft in its class) and economic viability (lower operating and maintenance costs). ERA has more than 650 orders already.