Charting a Sustainable Course for the Future of Flight

In the heartland of French aerospace, Toulouse, a new force is taking flight, driven by a profound commitment to sustainable aviation. Aura Aero, founded in 2018, is not just another aircraft manufacturer; it’s a pioneering company dedicated to accelerating the decarbonization of air transport through innovative design and cutting-edge digital technologies. With a vision to combine the best of traditional aeronautical expertise with the agility of a startup, Aura Aero is rapidly gaining recognition for its ambitious projects and its steadfast pursuit of eco-efficient aircraft.

A Vision Takes Wing

Aura Aero was co-founded by Jérémy Caussade (President & Chief Engineer), Wilfried Dufaud, and Fabien Raison. Caussade, an experienced aeronautical engineer and former Airbus professional, brought a deep understanding of aircraft design and the ambition to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future. The founders identified a critical need for new-generation aircraft that not only perform exceptionally but also significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Their philosophy is clear: to act rather than just talk, providing tangible solutions to the climate challenges facing aviation.

The company established its headquarters and main production facilities at the historic Toulouse-Francazal airport. This choice is symbolic, housing their design office, production lines, final assembly, flight test, and delivery activities for the INTEGRAL family in the HM7 hangar, a structure dating back to 1937 and the very first French Air Force hangar. This blend of historical reverence and forward-looking innovation perfectly encapsulates Aura Aero’s spirit. They also have a production site in Bernay, Normandy, and an office in Daytona Beach, Florida, reflecting their growing international reach.

The INTEGRAL Family: Precision and Performance for Training and Aerobatics

Aura Aero’s initial focus was on the INTEGRAL program, a family of two-seater aircraft designed for training, leisure, and aerobatics. This range embodies the company’s commitment to safety, performance, and eco-design from the ground up. The INTEGRAL aircraft are characterized by their innovative wood and carbon structure, offering a unique blend of strength, lightness, and sustainability. Each aircraft in the INTEGRAL family is equipped with a whole aircraft rescue parachute and anti-crash fuel tanks, emphasizing safety as a core design principle.

The INTEGRAL family includes four main models:

• INTEGRAL R: The aerobatic and leisure variant, powered by a Lycoming AEIO-390 / A3B6 (210 hp) thermal engine. It boasts impressive aerobatic capabilities with a load factor of +7.5G/−7.5G (at 935 kg) and a range of 980 km (530 NM). The first INTEGRAL R performed its maiden flight in June 2020 and achieved EASA CS-23 certification in December 2024, with first deliveries commenced in April 2025.
• INTEGRAL S: Designed primarily for training (VFR & IFR), this variant is equipped with a Lycoming IO-360-M1A (180 hp) thermal engine. It offers robust performance for pilot training with a load factor of +6G/−4.5G and a range of 926 km (500 NM). The first flight of the INTEGRAL S occurred in July 2024, and EASA certification is expected in 2025, with deliveries to follow.
• INTEGRAL R-E: The fully electric version for aerobatics and leisure, powered by a Safran ENGINeUS electric motor. This model began flight testing in December 2024, demonstrating inverted flight capabilities in April 2025. EASA certification and first deliveries are anticipated in late 2026. This electric variant aims to significantly reduce operating costs for flight schools and clubs.
• INTEGRAL S-E: The electric version for training, also featuring a Safran ENGINeUS electric motor, building on the success of its thermal counterpart.

The INTEGRAL aircraft are designed with an eco-conception approach, minimizing environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, from material selection (prioritizing bio-sourced and recycled materials) to end-of-life recycling. The production process itself is optimized for resource efficiency, with the manufacturing site at Toulouse-Francazal covering over 4,500 square meters.

ERA: Redefining Regional Air Transport with Hybrid-Electric Power

Aura Aero’s most ambitious project, and a cornerstone of its decarbonization strategy, is the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft). This 19-seater hybrid-electric regional transport aircraft is designed to offer a low-carbon solution for point-to-point regional air mobility, aiming for entry into service before 2030.

The ERA is a truly innovative concept, designed to carry 19 passengers or up to 2 tons of freight in its cargo version. It is powered by eight electric motors supplemented by two Safran turbogenerators, offering a range of up to 1,600 km (900 NM) and a cruising speed of 250 knots (463 km/h). This hybrid-electric propulsion system is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional aircraft in its category for a 200 NM mission, and is 100% SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) compatible. The aircraft’s wide, full-opening cargo door and optimal volume-to-payload ratio make it highly competitive for regional air freight operators, promising significant reductions in maintenance and energy costs.

The ERA program has garnered substantial interest, with over 600 Letters of Intent (LOI) from 12 airlines worldwide, with more than half of these orders coming from outside Europe. This strong market validation underscores the demand for sustainable and efficient regional air travel. Aura Aero has also received crucial support for the ERA program, including a “Pre Application Contract” from EASA to prepare for future certification, and a cooperation agreement with Airbus Protect for risk management during the certification process. The first parts for the test aircraft are currently being machined, with the first flight anticipated by the end of 2026.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Aviation

Aura Aero’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the aircraft themselves. The company embraces a holistic “eco-conception” philosophy that permeates all aspects of its operations:

• Material Optimization: Prioritizing the use of bio-sourced and recycled materials from design through manufacturing to reduce overall environmental impact.
• Circular Economy: Working with partners to develop valorization processes for material offcuts, waste, and end-of-life aircraft.
• Supply Chain Responsibility: Carefully selecting suppliers, with over 80% of their current suppliers being French, to ensure a reduced carbon footprint within their supply chain.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: The planned construction of a new “AURA Factory” will be integrated into the surrounding landscape and biodiversity, with a focus on minimizing the carbon impact of the industrial site.
• Industry Collaboration: Aura Aero is an active member of key initiatives like the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA), an EU initiative to prepare for the entry into service of low-carbon aircraft, and is one of the 16 founding companies of the European Future Mobility Taskforce. They also aim to obtain the B-Corp label, recognizing their commitment to social and environmental performance.

Funding and Strategic Partnerships

Aura Aero’s ambitious projects are supported by a diverse funding base, including private shareholders, bondholders, and significant institutional backing. Key supporters include the French State (via the ‘France Relance modernization fund for automobile and aeronautics’ and the ‘France 2030’ program), the Occitanie Region, and the BPI (French Public Investment Bank). Venture capital firm Innovacom has also been a crucial early investor.

In October 2024, the EDF Group (Electricité de France), a major player in energy transition, acquired a stake in Aura Aero through its subsidiary SAFIDI. This investment highlights EDF’s commitment to decarbonizing heavy mobility sectors, including aviation, and underscores the potential of Aura Aero’s roadmap.

Aura Aero has also been expanding its global reach through strategic distribution partnerships. In April 2025, the company announced agreements with three new European distributors: European Aircraft Sales (covering Scandinavia, Finland, Baltic states, Netherlands), JB Investments Ltd (Poland), and B&C SRL (Italy, Malta, Albania, Vatican, San Marino). These partnerships are crucial for expanding the sales and service network for both the INTEGRAL and ERA aircraft families.

Certifications and Industry Recognition

Aura Aero has steadily built its credibility through key certifications and industry recognition. They obtained EASA PART 21G approval for production in November 2021, followed by EASA PART 21J approval for industrial design in November 2023. These approvals establish Aura Aero as a fully recognized aircraft manufacturer, authorized to manage the entire process from design to production. The certification of the INTEGRAL R by EASA in December 2024 was a major milestone, validating their design and manufacturing processes.

The company’s rapid growth is also reflected in its workforce, which now stands at approximately 250 employees. This dedicated team of engineers, technicians, and aviation professionals is the driving force behind Aura Aero’s innovations.

The Future of Flight, Today

Aura Aero is more than just an aircraft manufacturer; it’s a testament to the power of a clear vision, relentless innovation, and a profound commitment to environmental responsibility. By developing both traditional and electric training aircraft, and pioneering hybrid-electric regional airliners, they are actively shaping the future of aviation. Their story is one of a new breed of aerospace companies, combining deep technical expertise with a startup’s agility, all aimed at a singular, vital goal: to accelerate the decarbonization of air transport and ensure a sustainable sky for generations to come. As the global aviation industry navigates the complexities of environmental sustainability, Aura Aero stands out as a pragmatic and ambitious leader, transforming concepts into concrete aircraft that are ready to take flight.