French aircraft manufacturer Aura Aero has opened an 11,000sq ft facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park in Daytona Beach, Florida. The site will serve as the company’s US headquarters and first production site, and host the North American Delivery and Customer Support Center, laying the groundwork for the company’s hybrid-electric ERA aircraft.

The initial production line will focus on the ERA regional aircraft, with Aura Aero planning to add a 500,000sq ft assembly line in 2028 for its 19-seater ERA. Across the two facilities, the company aims to become the world’s first manufacturer of a hybrid-electric regional aircraft with assembly lines in both France and the US. The US currently accounts for more than one third of ERA orders, with volumes expected to approach half of the global total as additional commitments are finalised. Aura Aero’s current LOI book stands at over 650 ERA aircraft, representing more than $10.5 billion in orders.

Florida’s site follows a partnership signed two years ago with Embry-Riddle, supported by Space Florida, and is expected to create more than a thousand high-skill jobs in the region.

“Florida has long been a leader in aeronautics and space, and the technical expertise of its workforce is a tremendous asset in asserting our leadership in the electric and hybrid-electric aviation sectors,” says Jeremy Caussade, president and co-founder of Aura Aero. “The State of Florida, Space Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have always believed in us and supported us from the beginning in this project.”

“Today’s announcement by Aura Aero and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a shining example of the Governor’s leadership in growing Florida’s aviation industries, focus on fostering the talent to support innovative aviation job creators and development of a market in which innovators can invest capital confidently,” adds Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.

“Aura Aero’s presence enhances our research ecosystem and offers unparalleled opportunities for students and faculty to engage directly with next-generation electric and hybrid-electric aircraft,” says Embry-Riddle president P. Barry Butler.

“We seek and foster opportunities to put Florida at the forefront of technological transformations,” concludes Space Florida president and CEO Rob Long. “Aura Aero represents the kind of progress and innovation that will move the aerospace industry forward for the better.”