Safran and AURA AERO are strengthening their strategic partnership for the development of turbogenerators that will equip the ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft
Jul 27, 2026
Safran and Aura Aero are strengthening their strategic partnership for the development of turbogenerators that will equip the ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
Bordes, July 27, 2026
Safran Helicopter Engines and Aura Aero have reached a new milestone in their partnership regarding the hybrid-electric propulsion system for ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft), the future 19-seat regional aircraft developed by Aura Aero. The two companies have signed an agreement for the development and integration of Safran turbogenerators that will equip the ERA prototype and pave the way for the industrialization of this propulsion system. This signing, which follows a memorandum of understanding in 2023, represents a key step towards the aircraft's first flight, certification, and eventual entry into service.
The ERA will use eight electric thrusters powered by two TG600 turbogenerators, each capable of delivering 600 kW of electricity. These turbogenerators are based on the Arrano, Safran Helicopter Engines' latest-generation engine, and two GENeUS electric generators developed by Safran Electrical & Power, which will also equip the aircraft with ENGINeUS electric motors. This architecture has been designed to combine reliability, operational performance, and low fuel consumption, while meeting the requirements of commercial operation and series production.
“We are particularly pleased to reach this important milestone in our partnership with Aura Aero and to contribute to advancing the decarbonization of aviation in conjunction with this up-and-coming French aircraft manufacturer. Our TG600 turbogenerator will be a key component of the ERA regional aircraft’s hybrid propulsion system. Our teams will now work with those of Aura Aero in preparation for the first flight of a prototype,” said Cédric Goubet, President of Safran Helicopter Engines.
“We are delighted with this partnership with Safran, which embodies our shared commitment to decarbonized aviation. By integrating Safran’s expertise in next-generation turbogenerators and electric motors, we are laying the foundations for reliable, high-performance hybrid-electric propulsion tailored to the needs of tomorrow’s regional air transport. Together, we are advancing the sector’s energy transition with concrete technologies on an industrial scale,” said Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of Aura Aero.
The ERA program was launched to contribute to the decarbonization of air transport. It aims to meet the growing demand for air travel and replace aircraft currently operating on regional routes. ERA's hybrid-electric propulsion solution will significantly contribute to the decarbonization of regional connections. Currently, 700 aircraft have already been pre-ordered.
In parallel, Safran Electrical & Power has strengthened its partnership with Aura Aero to accelerate the development, certification, and industrialization of all-electric propulsion technologies. This is reflected in particular by the integration of ENGINeUS motors for the INTEGRAL E single-engine training aircraft and paves the way for future innovative propulsion solutions.