Republic Airways to advise on Aura Aero electric-thrust regional transport aircraft

Republic Airways and French aircraft manufacturer Aura Aero have a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the development of the ERA, an electric-thrust 19-seater regional aircraft.

Republic Airways is one of the largest regional airlines in North America, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It operates more than 200 Embraer E170/175 aircraft with flights to nearly 100 destinations daily. Republic employs over 6,000 aviation professionals and flies exclusively for Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

The MoU sets forth the assistance Republic will provide, primarily, support for the technical and commercial development of the ERA. Republic’s expertise in regional aviation will enhance Aura Aero’s ability to design and certify a sustainable aircraft that will be commercially viable in the highly competitive North American regional market.

ERA, an eco-responsible aircraft capable of transporting 19 passengers or 1.9 tons of freight, can also be configured for business aviation. With its pressurized cabin, it has a range up to 1,600km (994 miles) and can land at the largest international airports as well as on short, unprepared runways.

ERA, whose first entries into commercial service are planned before 2030, already boasts an orderbook close to 350 letters of intent/memorandums of understanding, representing a total of around 3.5 billion euros. The aircraft addresses the environmental challenges of the 21st century, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventionally engined aircraft in the same category.

Jérémy Caussade, president and co-founder of Aura Aero, said, “We are very proud to have Republic advising us on the requirements needed for a competitive aircraft in North America. At Aura Aero, we are convinced that electric is the future of regional aviation, and we want to pave the way for this revolution.”

Founded in 2018, Aura Aero is based at Toulouse-Francazal airport, France, and employs 200 people. Aura Aero is a member of the steering committee of Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA), a European Union initiative.