Aura Aero obtains building permit for new factory |

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Aura Aero, a European aviation start-up building a trainer and a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner, has been approved for and obtained a building permit for a manufacturing and assembly complex at Toulouse-Francazal airport. The new 50,000 m2 facility was designed to meet demanding environmental and regulatory standards, and the Aura factory is the winner of the France 2030 “Première Usine” (first factory) program, focused on innovation, industrial performance, and environmental responsibility.

The project is supported by the European Commission’s Innovation Fund (€95 million), which will enable the transition to low-carbon aircraft with mass production. The facility is expected to create more than 1,600 direct jobs, while generating more than $2 billion in revenue

Jérémy Caussade, Co-founder and President, stated, “Obtaining this building permit is a decisive milestone for Aura Aero. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all public and local officials whose support and commitment have made it possible to bring this major industrial project to fruition, benefiting employment, the region, and French industrial sovereignty. I would also like to thank France 2030, Bpifrance, and European Commissioner Ekaterina Zakharieva for their decisive support in advancing the industrialization of our low-carbon aviation sector. I would also like to extend my thanks to our architectural firm and engineering design office for the quality of their work in designing this project,” states

Three Major Programs

The new facility will support three major programs: the Integral, Enbata, and ERA.

INTEGRAL family is a range of training and practice aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, designed for civilian and military flight schools. That aircraft is EASA-certified and in service, with new variants under development.

ENBATA is a next-generation tactical medium-altitude, long-endurance drone designed for surveillance, intelligence, and operational support missions.

ERA is a hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to transform regional air mobility. It will offer more sustainable and efficient aviation, available in a standard 19-seat version or an exclusive version (8 or 9 seats), as well as cargo or medical evacuation variants. This program is scheduled for entry into service in 2030 and will compete against the Dornier 228 and Cessna Caravan in the light regional aircraft market.

This new factory will enable Aura to control its entire production chain in France, while supporting the ramp-up of its current and future programs. Work has already begun on the initial steps to remediate the Toulouse-Francazal site. Once this phase is complete, the AURA Factory groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the second half of 2026, marking the official start of construction. The plant is expected to begin operations by 2028.

The Bottom Line

With a unique design for regional travel, the Auro ERA will provide operators with options to serve smaller cities with more efficient and environmentally responsible aircraft than are available on the market today. Combined with a trainer program that will enter service in July and a military drone program, Aura is well-positioned to become successful in multiple markets. We wish them success with their new facilities.