Aura Aero Receives European Innovation Fund Support

Aura Aero Secures €95 Million European Innovation Fund Grant for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Aura Aero has become the first aeronautical company to receive financial backing from the European Innovation Fund, securing €95 million to support the development of its ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft. This funding, awarded under the HERMES project (Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft Manufactured in Europe for Sustainable Aviation), is intended to accelerate the ERA program’s progress toward CS-23 type certification, with a targeted entry into service by 2030.

European Commission Endorses Sustainable Aviation Innovation

The European Commission emphasized the importance of this milestone in advancing sustainable aviation. Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, stated that achieving climate neutrality by 2050 requires contributions from all sectors, including aviation. He expressed optimism about Aura Aero’s hybrid-electric aircraft project, highlighting innovation as essential to balancing decarbonization with competitiveness in the European aviation industry. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable aviation fuels and emission-reducing technologies, citing the Innovation Fund’s support for Aura Aero as a key example.

Strategic Investments and Market Interest

Aura Aero’s momentum is further bolstered by a recent $200 million investment from Florida aimed at establishing an airliner production facility, reflecting strong transatlantic interest in the company’s technology. Despite this progress, the company faces significant challenges, including regulatory hurdles in advanced air mobility, the necessity for extensive testing and certification, and growing competition from other industry players such as Wanfeng and Moya Aero, who are also striving to secure market share and regulatory approvals in this rapidly evolving sector.

Market response to the ERA program has been notably positive. The project has garnered over 650 Letters of Intent, representing a potential order value of $10.5 billion. The aircraft attracted considerable attention at the Paris Air Show 2025, with substantial commitments from airlines including Marathon Airlines (20 firm orders and 20 options), Solyu (20 firm orders and 20 options), JumpAir Airlines (10 firm orders and 10 options), and Safarilink (four firm orders and two options).

Leadership Perspective and Future Outlook

Jérémy Caussade, CEO and co-founder of Aura Aero, expressed pride in being the first aeronautical company to benefit from revenues generated by the EU’s Emissions Trading System. He described the selection of Aura Aero’s project from among 85 proposals across 18 countries as a significant endorsement and a strong signal of the European Union’s support for decarbonization technologies. Caussade highlighted the company’s current position as favorable, noting that their all-electric two-seater, INTEGRAL E, began its flight test campaign in December, and that the ERA aircraft is now less than two years away from its maiden flight.

As Aura Aero advances its hybrid-electric regional airliner, industry observers anticipate intensified competition as other companies accelerate efforts to obtain regulatory approvals and expand their footprint in the emerging advanced air mobility market. The company’s recent achievements underscore both the opportunities and complexities confronting innovators in the global pursuit to decarbonize aviation.