Aura Aero revealed during EAA AirVenture last week that it has secured the initial U.S. purchase for its Integral R aircraft, which was made by renowned airshow pilot Michael Goulian.
The R model is a member of Aura’s Integral series of aircraft, which also includes the Integral S and E. It has recently been approved in Europe by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the FAA certification process is currently in progress. Aura aims for this purchase to initiate its entry into the U.S. market.
Built for upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT), the Integral R is a dual-occupant trainer that offers aerobatic performance. The aircraft features Garmin Avionics and a digital system named EPONA, which reviews data during flight and provides feedback to both the pilot and the aircraft.
In addition to serving as the official ambassador of Integral R in the United States, Goulian was once an aerobatic champion and participated in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship Series from 2006 to 2019. He currently operates Mike Goulian Aviation, a training center located in Bedford, Massachusetts, that focuses on Cirrus aircraft training and management.
Goulian also provides specialized tailwheel and aerobatic training, which may soon include the Integral R.
I am truly honored to be the first U.S. customer for Integral R,” Goulian stated. “We are thrilled to receive our aircraft and begin using it at our flight school. Introducing our customers to the thrill of aerobatics while enhancing their flying abilities is something we are deeply committed to. The new configuration with side-by-side seating is perfect for this purpose. The plane is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also performs exceptionally well.
Launched in 2018 by three ex-Airbus engineers, the French company Aura Aero is aiming its sights on North America.
The United States, which is home to nearly 600 FAA-approved flight schools and more than 75,000 pilots, stands as the biggest center for aviation training globally. Aura Aero mentioned that it aims to become the preferred training aircraft, not just with the Integral R, but also with the Integral S and Integral E, which are a nosewheel-equipped and all-electric version of the same model, both anticipated to receive certification by 2027.
To secure this highly sought-after American market, Aura Aero has been actively working for the past year.
This year, the company formed a collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and established a 10,000-square-foot hangar at its research park in Daytona Beach, Florida, which is intended for the assembly, delivery, and customer support of all Integral aircraft within the United States. The facility will accommodate two prototypes of the electric Integral E, and the flight testing phase before certification will occur in the surrounding area.
Daytona Beach has also been selected by Aura Aero as the site for its U.S. headquarters, where it is currently constructing a 500,000-square-foot factory to manufacture its 19-passenger, hybrid-electric ERA. The company stated that the facility is anticipated to generate more than 1,000 jobs, with production set to commence in 2028.
Aura Aero’s ERA has more than 650 reservations, amounting to over $10.5 billion for the business. The company stated that its objective is to produce and assemble 100 ERAs annually when operations commence.
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