France’s Aura Aero Opens Aircraft Factory in Florida

French aircraft manufacturer Aura Aero has opened the first of two production sites in the U.S. A ribbon-cutting event on October 30 marked the inauguration of its 11,000-sq-ft facility within Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park in Daytona Beach, where the company will build its Integral family of light aircraft.

In 2028, Aura Aero plans to open a 500,000-sq-ft assembly line in the same location for its in-development 19-seat hybrid-electric ERA regional airliner. The initial version of the Integral two-seater, intended mainly for pilot training and aerobatics, is powered by a Lycoming piston engine, and the company is now working to certify a battery-electric model.

Aura Aero, which is headquartered in western France, intends to build aircraft on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. According to Florida’s commerce secretary, Alex Kelly, the Daytona Beach investment will result in more than 1,000 new local jobs.

The manufacturer views the U.S. as a key market for the Integral trainers. Having already achieved EASA type certification, it is now seeking FAA approval to address a market it says includes nearly 600 flight schools.

According to Aura Aero, it holds letters of intent for 650 ERA aircraft, representing potential revenues of $10.5 billion. Around one-third of these prospective orders have been placed by U.S. operators.