Toulouse-Francazal Airport, France: One year after acquiring a stake in AURA AERO, a French pioneer in low-carbon aviation, EDF Group (Electricité de France, a French multinational electric utility company) increased its participation to Euro 2 million, through its subsidiary SAFIDI, dedicated to local anchorage.
With this new investment, the Group reaffirms its commitment to providing long-term support for the growth of a low-carbon, regional light aircraft industry, in France.
Accelerating the Energy Transition in Aviation
In a context where aviation must significantly reduce its emissions, EDF Group is stepping up its support for AURA AERO, to accompany the sector’s energy transition. By committing to this innovative industrial player, EDF Group is contributing to the development of electric and hybrid aircraft and participating in the structuring of a sector of the future, anchored in Occitanie.
Concrete Support for the Technological and Industrial Development of AURA AERO
AURA AERO is developing ERA, a 19-seater hybrid-electric regional aircraft with nearly 700 purchase intentions, valued at $12 billion. Through its investment, EDF Group will deploy its energy expertise, from battery performance to charging management and the integration of electrical requirements into airport platforms.
At the same time, the INTEGRAL range, the latest generation of two-seater training aircraft, continues its industrialisation.
The first INTEGRAL R aircraft have been delivered, INTEGRAL S is moving towards certification, and INTEGRAL E, the first 100% electric two-seater aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, is undergoing a flight test campaign following its maiden flight in December 2024.
Beyond its financial commitment, EDF Group is making the expertise of its R&D and engineering teams available to AURA AERO and the aviation sector in general. These teams are working on the development and advanced testing of batteries, as well as the deployment of charging infrastructure dedicated to electric aviation, aiming at standardisation and interoperability at European level.
A Structuring Partnership for the Transition of Air Transport
The partnership between EDF Group and AURA AERO combines two complementary areas of expertise: that of an energy company committed to the electrification of mobility and that of an aircraft manufacturer designing low-carbon planes.
Together, the two partners are creating the technical, industrial, and regional conditions necessary for the development of carbon-free regional aviation.
Marc BENAYOUN, Executive Director of EDF Group, said, “This investment marks a new step in our commitment towards the electrification of mobilities. By supporting AURA AERO, EDF Group is helping to develop a low-carbon aerospace industry in France and Europe”.
Jérémy CAUSSADE, President and co-founder of AURA AERO, added, “EDF’s commitment and support for an innovative industrial company such as AURA AERO is a very positive signal for the French economy. EDF’s expertise in energy decarbonisation is a major asset to accelerate our industrial development and promote the emergence of clean aviation in Europe.”
