French company Aura Aero revealed that it has signed letters of intent for the acquisition of a total of up to 130 ERAs, its electric-powered regional aircraft model, with a total of nine different operators.
The companies interested in acquiring the model are: Afrijet of Gabon, which will order ten airplanes; Elitavia of Malta, which will acquire twenty aircraft; DUX of Brazil, which is interested in another twenty; Flying Green of France, which will order ten aircraft; FMS of Switzerland, which is interested in another ten; and Twinjet of France, which plans to take on twenty-five ERAs.
According to Aura Aero, three other companies will announce their intentions to incorporate the model in the near future, although it is not yet known which companies are involved. Currently, the programme already has more than 330 order intentions.
«We are proud to announce these new orders for the ERA, an aircraft that will allow, thanks to modern and digital technology, to transport passengers and cargo in complete safety and with low emissions, with an unbeatable business plan», said Jérémy Caussade, President of Aura Aero. «We are convinced, more than ever, of the relevance of this aircraft for low-carbon aviation», he added.
The electric-powered regional aircraft ERA
According to its developer, the ERA will be a 19-seat regional aircraft, which can be powered entirely by electric power. However, it will also be able to use fuel to extend its range. It will be available in three versions: passenger transport, air cargo transport and VIP or executive.
According to Aura Aero, the cargo version will offer 23 cubic metres of space and will be able to carry up to 2.500 kilograms of goods.
At maximum capacity, it will have a range of up to 1.000 nautical miles (1.852 kilometres). In addition, it will be able to fly some 215 nautical miles (400 kilometres) powered entirely by electric power and will reach a maximum cruising speed of 300 knots (555 kilometres per hour). It will need just 600 metres of runway for take-off and landing manoeuvres.
Aura Aero expects the first ERA flight to be completed in 2024 and the aircraft to enter service in 2027.
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