Aura Aero, a French designer and manufacturer of next-generation electric aircraft, announced its intention to build a 50,000-square-meter manufacturing and assembly facility in Volusia County, at Daytona Beach International Airport, Florida.
To satisfy the needs of the important American market, Developing its presence in the US is an essential step for Aura Aero which also continues its industrial deployment in Europe, in particular with the Aura Factory project at the Toulouse-Francazal airport.
The announcement of the Volusia County selection, made at Brown & Brown’s headquarters in Daytona Beach, follows Aura Aero’s decision in July to limit the location of the new facility to the state of Florida. The company had previously considered several locations, but quickly narrowed the decision to Texas and Florida as possible locations for US manufacturing operations.
“Aura Aero’s decision to establish its US headquarters at Daytona Beach International Airport is a great victory for the aerospace industry, aviation, education, the local and regional economy and the people of Volusia County,” said Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald. “This partnership not only highlights the strength and strategic importance of our airport, but also positions our community as a cutting-edge technology hub and opens the door for other innovative companies to choose Volusia County.”
Over the past decade, Volusia County has experienced tremendous growth, including the creation of more than 7,000 jobs with a total economic impact of more than $2 billion. Aura Aero CEO Jérémy Caussade is excited about the area and the great welcome and support it has received from community leaders and industry and academic partners: “We couldn’t be happier to partner with the state of Florida, Volusia County, Daytona Beach International Airport and other key partners, as We advance our mission to design and manufacture electric aircraft that connect territories and accelerate the decarbonization of aviation.”
And he added that “this area and its leadership support the economic growth and development along with technological advancement, and we are excited to be part of its future development while providing high-value jobs that will dramatically change the aviation industry.”
The facility will manufacture and assemble hybrid-electric regional aircraft (ERA) with the goal of producing 100 ERA per year. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and the plant is estimated to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2028, when the company will begin assembling aircraft at its new home in Daytona Beach.
