French hybrid-electric aircraft start-up Aura Aero has detailed plans for a new 40,000sq m (431,000sq ft) factory at Toulouse Francazal airport capable of building up to 150 aircraft per year.
Aura Aero hopes to be able to move into the facility within 30 months, enabling it to meet a target of commencing production of its developmental ERA regional aircraft by 2025.
At peak output the site will have capacity to build 50 Integral trainers and 100 ERA 19-seaters, the company says, and will employ 1,600 people.
Aura Aero has a claimed backlog of 100 orders for the Integral and letters of intent covering 300 ERAs.
The new facility will house all the company’s functions, from design to production, plus research and development activities, alongside a delivery centre and the administrative, commercial and management teams.
Representing a total investment of €150 million ($160 million), the factory will be part-funded by the city of Toulouse and the wider Occitanie region.
Jeremy Caussade, Aura Aero co-founder, says: “The trust that many international airlines place in us confirms the wish of the aviation sector to quickly shift towards decarbonisation, with aircraft that better respect the environment.
“We aim at being among the leaders of this industrial revolution.”
