Republic Airways has agreed to provide support for the technical and commercial development of Aura Aero's electric-thrust, 19 seat regional ERA aircraft.

Republic is one of the largest regional airlines in North America, operating over 200 Embraer E170/175 aircraft with flights to nearly 100 destinations daily and flying exclusively for Delta, American and United airlines. It will enhance Aura Aero's ability to design and certify a sustainable aircraft that will be commercially viable in the highly competitive North American regional market.

The ERA is an eco-responsible aircraft, capable of transporting 19 passengers or 1.9 tons of freight, and the pressurised cabin can also be configured for business aviation. It has a range of up to 1,600km and can land at the largest international airports as well as on short, unprepared runways.

The ERA, whose first entries into commercial service are planned before 2030, already boasts an orderbook close to 350 LoIs and MoUs, representing a total of around $3.7 billion. Whether it is for connecting islands and archipelagos or providing direct flights between regional locations, the ERA is an economic solution for its users in terms of both energy and maintenance costs. This aircraft addresses the environmental challenges of the 21st century, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to thermal aircraft in the same category.

Jérémy Caussade, president and co-founder of Aura Aero, says: ”We are very proud to have Republic advising us on the requirements needed for a competitive aircraft in North America. At Aura Aero, we are convinced that electric is the future of regional aviation, and we want to pave the way for this revolution.”