AURA AERO, French aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in low-carbon aviation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus Flight Academy Europe (AFAE), a 100% subsidiary of Airbus that supplies training services for the French Armed Forces pilots and civilian cadets, to jointly approach decarbonization for pilot training by introducing electric-powered aircraft for commercial and military pilot formation.

Under this agreement, Airbus Flight Academy Europe will collaborate on the initial development of INTEGRAL E, a full-electric, two-seater trainer aircraft, ideally suited for initial stages of pilot training. While operating from an airfield equipped with superchargers, the INTEGRAL E aircraft can be charged in 20 to 30 minutes, granting the aircraft an hour of flight endurance.

“Our target at Airbus Flight Academy is to operate a low-carbon aircraft fleet by 2030,” said Airbus Flight Academy Europe CEO, Jean LONGOBARDI. “We are excited to collaborate with AURA AERO in this field and are convinced that, by combining our expertise, we can meet the ambition of decarbonizing to the current pilot- training approach. INTEGRAL E could become the first step to a broader partnership.”

Jérémy CAUSSADE, CEO and co-founder of AURA AERO, said: “Our technical and commercial teams are very happy and honored to have been chosen by Airbus to support the decarbonization of their training activities. Pilot training will be an area where we expect early adoption of zero-emission approach, starting with two- seater aircraft. By partnering with AFAE, we will develop a new type of electrically-powered training to benefit all pilots in the future, whatever the aircraft they are flying.”

About AURA AERO

A pioneer in low-carbon aviation, AURA AERO is committed to serve mankind by designing and manufacturing aircraft that accelerate air transport decarbonization, by industrializing disruptive technologies resolutely focused on the aviation of tomorrow. Combining the best in the aeronautical industry and digital technologies, AURA AERO manufactures aircraft that offer unrivaled efficiency on the market of eco-efficient vehicles.

Founded in 2018, AURA AERO is based at Toulouse-Francazal airport, France, and employs 200 people. In addition to its many shareholders, the manufacturer is supported by the Occitanie Region, the BPI (French Public Investment Bank) and venture capital firm Innovacom. Laureate of the France Relance modernization fund and benefiting from the France 2023 investment plan, AURA AERO is a member of the steering committee of AZEA (Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation), a European Union initiative.

Source: Aura Aero Press Release
Photo Credit: Aura Aero