EDF group takes a stake in AURA AERO, to support the decarbonization of aviation in Europe

AURA AERO, a pioneer in low-carbon aviation, and EDF Group (Electricité de France), the French multinational electric utility company and a major player in the energy transition, announced today an agreement for the acquisition by EDF, through its subsidiary SAFIDI, of a stake in AURA AERO. EDF group supports the aircraft manufacturer until now on topics related to the electrification of aviation and the deployment of related infrastructures.

EDF’s acquisition of a stake in AURA AERO, via its subsidiary SAFIDI, dedicated to financing regional development and decarbonization projects, confirms the potential of the aircraft manufacturer’s roadmap and allows it to maintain its European sovereignty. This shareholding complements the capital-raising initiatives undertaken in parallel by the manufacturer. In addition, AURA AERO has also received several institutional fundings, from the European Union for the ‘EIC Accelerator’ program, and from France 2030 as part of the validation of the AURA Factory project, labeled “Première Usine”.

Launched six years ago, AURA AERO already holds European approvals as an aircraft designer and manufacturer. On its site at Toulouse-Francazal airport, the company designs and assembles the INTEGRAL, a two-seater training aircraft with an aerobatic capability, as well as ERA, the 19-seater aircraft for the regional transport market.

As its first aircraft, INTEGRAL R and INTEGRAL S, are completing their flight test campaign, an essential prerequisite for the certification preceding the first deliveries, the electric version, INTEGRAL E, continues its tests. INTEGRAL already holds many orders for its three versions, including this “zero-carbon emission” version, eagerly awaited by flying academies.

The development of the ERA program is proceeding according to plan. The first parts for the test aircraft, due to fly by the end of 2026, are currently being machined. 570 ERA aircraft are already the subject of letters of intent from 12 airlines, with more than half outside Europe. With this aircraft, AURA AERO will provide, before 2030, an immediate response to the gradual decarbonization of regional transport.

Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of AURA AERO, is delighted: “ We are very honored to have EDF as one of our core shareholders. The expertise of such a group in implementing de decarbonization of energy sources is very precious to us. This decision will largely contribute to helping us rapidly pursue our industrial development in France.”

Sylvain Vidal, Director of EDF Regional Action in the Occitanie Region, adds: “EDF group is committed to supporting its customers in their decarbonization projects through the electrification of uses. Taking a stake, via its subsidiary SAFIDI, in the pioneer of regional electric aviation, AURA AERO, marks the group’s will to contribute to the decarbonization of heavy mobility players including in the aviation sector. In the name of EDF group, I am very proud to support AURA AERO in its industrial take-off and to be able to accompany the company in the implementation of its projects for a sustainable general aviation.”