Electric when needed, with 19 seats but also VIP, cargo and air ambulance. Thus the idea of a short-range hybrid airplane was reborn
Aviation becomes less polluting through hybrid propulsion, but doing so on flying cars is much more complex than what happens in the automotive sector. And not only for the need to deal with weight, but also to guarantee the reliability that aircraft must demonstrate in order to be used in passenger transport. On the occasion of the Aero 2026 show in Friedrichshafen, the French company Aura Aero of Toulouse, already a manufacturer of an Integra-R aerobatic two-seater, presented the new cabin configurations of the Era (Electric Regional Aircraft theme song)its hybrid-electric regional aircraft. Driven by 8 electric motors developed by Safran and with energy produced by two turbogenerators compatible with eco-fuel (Saf), the Era will switch from hybrid to electric mode based on flight needs, offering a range of 1,500 km.
The design of the new hybrid airplane
The engineering challenge to be met was complex: it was necessary to design a spacious environment from scratch for the best mobility, work and relaxation, redefining the regional flying experiencethat is, a relatively short journey but which will be repeated continuously in the future, combining perceived comfort, operational flexibility and environmental performance. From passenger to business flights to freight transport, the Era’s cabin had to be able to adapt quickly without involving large costs for reconfiguration.
With a cabin height of 1.88 m, fully cylindrical fuselage section extending to the rear and a wide central aisle of more than 50 cm, Era offers a feeling of space rarely found in this class of aircraft. You can stand and move freely; the absence of overhead bins above passengers’ heads frees up space, while luggage is stored at the front in dedicated areas, which offer up to 2 cubic meters of storage capacity. The windows are very large, giving the cabin a bright, smooth and instantly relaxing feel.
The identikit of the aircraft
For the construction of the furnishings, Aura Aero plans to integrate materials of biological origin such as linen, basalt and cork, as well as recyclable materials, to reduce the environmental impact of the cabin while keeping the weight under control. On board, Internet connectivity will be entrusted to Starlink, while each seat is equipped with USB-C ports for charging your Peds (tablet, PC, smartphone). The idea is that the Era becomes, depending on the needs, a flying office airplane, a space for interacting or a traveling resting place.
In its “Lounge” configuration for eight passengers, Era transforms into a private room in which the seats are arranged around four two-seater “club” sections; each armchair is 58 centimeters wide, and the resulting living space is flexible, with a rear section that can be converted into a sofa. Obviously, there is also a self-service galley for hot and cold drinks or snacks. In the ERA 9-seater business aircraft version, the cabin is designed for operators accustomed to business aviation and the seats have a pitch of 97 cm, meaning exceptionally generous personal space.
Every detail is designed for minimize fatiguepromote concentration and ensure that passengers arrive at their destination fully rested and operational. Finally, the versions for 16, 18 or 19 passengers, which can be defined as “Economy”, redefine the cabin of the airplane for regional transport towards that of new generation air shuttles. The Regional versions offer a smooth and comfortable travel experience, designed for everyday use. The optimization of space creates an immediate feeling of spaciousness as soon as passengers take their seats, with 43cm seats placed at a distance of 74 or 90 (16 passengers) from each other.
The other functions of the aircraft
But Era will also be available in cargo version with a loading volume of up to 21 cubic meters, being able to transport loose goods or up to six US standard pallets or 7 EU ones. The loading hatch is 147×175 cm, enough to load even light wheeled vehicles such as motorbikes or, in the Medevac variant (medical transport), even two stretchers. How high can he fly? The maximum operating altitude is expected to be 7,600 metres, the cruising speed will be 460 km/h with the ability to operate on short or unpaved runways, typical of smaller airports spread throughout the area.
As for ecology, its hybrid architecture allows for a reduction of up to 80% in CO₂ emissions while reducing operating costs and noise, with a reduction of up to 50% in energy and maintenance costs. To date, the French company has collected 700 letters of intent and two confirmed orders, as construction continues; testing will begin by the end of 2026, the first flight will take place in 2027 and the market launch by 2030.
