Marathon Airlines to launch scheduled operations in Greece with 40 hybrid-electric ERA aircraft

At Paris Air Show, Marathon Airlines and AURA AERO* signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for ERA, the hybrid-electric regional aircraft. The deal covers 20 aircraft, with an option for 20 more.

Founded in 2017, Marathon Airlines provides ACMI** scheduled services and ad-hoc charters for corporate clients, group travel, and sports teams. The airline currently operates an all-Embraer fleet and is based in Glyfada, Greece.

The new ERA fleet will be deployed to establish a comprehensive, year-round network interconnecting the major Greek islands – including Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Paros, Naxos and Mykonos) with each other and with key mainland cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki. This network will serve both local communities and visitors, offering reliable, low-emission connectivity with the country’s unique geographic and economic landscape.

“By combining zero-emission takeoff capability, short-runway accessibility, and ultra-low operating costs, ERA is ideally suited for Greece’s insular and regional transportation needs” states Andrew Kaiafas, CEO of Marathon Airlines. He adds: “With this aircraft, Marathon Airlines will become the first operator in the region to offer scheduled-hybrid-electric services, demonstrating leadership in innovation, sustainability, and regional development. Furthermore, two ERA aircraft will be specially configured for medical evacuation and emergency response, ensuring rapid intervention capability across even the most remote island territories”.

Jérémy CAUSSADE, President and co-founder of AURA AERO comments: ”We are very proud to have been chosen by Marathon Airlines to begin their transition towards low-carbon aircraft. With ERA, the airline can both modernize and decarbonize its fleet, to address the challenges of aviation in the coming years.”

ERA is a state-of-the-art, eco-responsible aircraft designed to revitalize regional aviation while accelerating the decarbonization of aviation. With 8 electric motors (ENGINeUS, developed by Safran and the first-ever electric aircraft engine to be certified) and 2 SAF-compatible turbo-generators, it will alternate hybrid and electric phases according to flight requirements, with a range of up to 900 NM (1,666 km).

Packed with innovations in avionics, aerodynamics and propulsion, ERA offers a versatile solution for different missions, representing the most efficient solution for operators, both in terms of energy and maintenance costs. Capable of transporting 19 passengers or up to 1.9 tons of cargo, the aircraft can also be configured in a business version or a special mission version. ERA can operate from large airports as well as short, unpaved runways and its 1.88 meter high, pressurized cabin ensures unrivalled passenger comfort in its category.

Meeting the environmental challenges of the 21st century, ERA reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared with thermal aircraft in its class. By combining sustainability and economic viability, ERA is redefining the future of aviation and reinvigorating regional aviation, whether connecting up islands and archipelagos, or offering direct flights between regional destinations.

Including this new order, AURA AERO already boasts an orderbook of more than 650 ERA aircraft, representing a total value of more than $10.5 Bn.