Aura Aero passes 650 pre-orders for ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft, valued at over $10.5bn

Aura Aero announced at the Paris Air Show that it has secured more than 650 pre-orders for ERA, its hybrid 19-seater, scheduled for entry into service by 2030.

Five new customers signed Letters of Intent with the French manufacturer, to add ERA to their fleet by the start of the new decade:

Marathon Airlines, a Greek ACMI airline (20 firm and 20 options), Solyu, a South Korean low-carbon aircraft lessor (20 firm and 20 options), JumpAir Airlines, a lithuanian ACMI and charter airline (10 firm and 10 options), Safarilink, a Kenyan regional airline (4 firm and 2 options), and an undisclosed customer from Europe (3 firm and 3 options).

ERA | ©Aura Aero.

Drew McEwen, Aura Aero's Chief Commercial Officer comments: “ We are very proud of the success achieved by our hybrid-electric aircraft, thanks to our commercial team and to AELIS Group, our dedicated global sales partner for ERA.”

Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of Aura Aero stated: “Just four years after launching the program, announcing today over 650 pre-orders for this aircraft, representing more than $10.5bn in value, is a major milestone for us.

"The trust our customers place in us confirms the existence of a real market for this type of aircraft - and the backing of French and European institutions only strengthens that conviction.

"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.”

At the Paris Air Show, Marathon Airlines and Aura Aero signed a Letter of Intent for ERA, the
hybrid-electric regional aircraft. The deal covers 20 aircraft, with an option for 20 more.

ERA is a state-of-the-art, hybrid-electric and eco-responsible aircraft, designed to revitalize regional aviation while accelerating the decarbonization of aviation. With 8 electric motors (ENGINeUS, developed by Safran and first-ever electric aircraft engine to be certified) and 2 SAF-compatible turbo-generators, it will alternate hybrid and electric phases according to flight requirements, with a range of up to 900 NM (1,500 km).

Packed with innovations in avionics, aerodynamics and propulsion, ERA offers a versatile solution for different missions, representing the most efficient solution for operators, both in terms of energy and maintenance costs. Capable of transporting 19 passengers or up to 1.9 tons of cargo, the aircraft can also be configured in business or special mission versions. ERA can operate from large airports as well as short, unpaved runways and its 1.88 meter high, pressurized cabin ensures unrivalled passenger comfort in its category.

Meeting the environmental challenges of the 21st century, ERA reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared with thermal aircraft in its class. By combining sustainability and economic viability, ERA is redefining the future of aviation and reinvigorating regional aviation, whether connecting up islands and archipelagos, or offering direct flights between regional destinations.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 19th June 2025 | Issue #800