ERA Program Reaches Key Milestones: Setting the Stage for Greener Regional Flights

AURA AERO's Electric Regional Aircraft (ERA) program is taking big steps toward making regional air travel greener. The ERA program, which started in 2021, focuses on creating hybrid-electric planes to cut down on emissions. Recent achievements show that the project is moving in the right direction.

From December 2023 to March 2024, the ERA program completed a key review called MG4 (Maturity Gate 4). This review confirmed the materials and systems they plan to use, ensuring they're on track to develop a 19-seater hybrid-electric aircraft. This milestone is crucial because it sets the foundation for further progress in building the plane.

Additionally, AURA AERO has launched a call for tenders, inviting suppliers to work on various parts of the aircraft, such as the fuselage and control systems. The first parts of the flight test aircraft could be ready by early 2025. This step is a clear sign that the program is moving forward and is ready to collaborate with other companies to bring the aircraft to life.

Another major development is AURA AERO's signing of a Pre-Application Services Contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This agreement, signed at the AERO EXPO airshow, allows AURA AERO to get advice from EASA as they work toward getting the ERA aircraft certified. This contract is a significant step toward the final approval needed for the aircraft to enter service by 2030.

Wilfried Dufaud, Co-founder and Executive Director of AURA AERO, said that this agreement marks the beginning of the ERA certification process. Luc Tytgat, High Representative to the EASA Executive Director, mentioned that AURA AERO is leading the way in developing electric commuter aircraft, which will help reduce the environmental impact of regional flights.