Toulouse Blagnac Airport is best known as a major Airbus aircraft production hub – particularly the wide-body models and freighter variants. Another production line is set to be added soon – initiated by local newcomer, AURA AERO. However, this will not happen in Blagnac, but at the nearby Toulouse-Francazal regional airport, a local hub for general aviation.
On Friday 20MAR26, the celebrations must have been in full swing at aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO. The reason: that was the day the company obtained the building permit to assemble AURA aircraft variants for short- and medium-haul ranges.
Advanced factory generation
With 50,000 m² of industrial infrastructure, this new production site represents one of the most ambitious aerospace industrial hubs in France. Designed to meet the most demanding environmental and regulatory standards, the future AURA Factory “embodies a new generation of aerospace factories, focused on innovation, industrial performance, and environmental responsibility,” is stated in a press release. The building permit represents a significant step forward in the development of new, low-emission aircraft – not only for the company and the French aerospace sector, but also for France as a country, since the project is both a driving force and a symbol of France’s reindustrialization.
The project is backed by the European Commission’s Innovation Fund (EUR 95 million), a crucial strategic aid to support AURA AERO’s industrial growth and enable the transition to mass production of their low-carbon aircraft family.
Ultimately, the facility will generate USD 2 billion in revenue and create more than 1,600 direct jobs, making a significant contribution to the region’s economic vitality and the development of cutting-edge industrial expertise in the Occitanie region. This facility will strengthen the local aerospace ecosystem, while generating thousands of indirect jobs within the supply chain.
Dual industrial strategy and integrated production
The forthcoming AURA Factory is designed to support AURA AERO’s dual industrial strategy, enabling the production of aircraft for both civil and military markets. This approach addresses the growing needs for sovereignty and industrial resilience, and strategic autonomy. The AURA Factory will mainly produce:
ERA, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft, available in a standard 19-seat version or an exclusive version (8 or 9 seats), as well as cargo or medical evacuation variants. The freighter version can accommodate 1.9 tons in its 21 m2 compartment. It is powered by hybrid-electric technology that reduces the environmental impact sharply compared to aircraft relying on fossil fuels.
Asked about the status of the aircraft, the Communications Department of AURO AERO said that the assembly of a first prototype began last year with the initial flight expected to take place in 2027. Certification is scheduled for 2029 followed by first deliveries in 2030.
The ERA project is complemented by a range of training and practice aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, designed for civilian and military flight schools.
Finally, a next-generation tactical MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drone designed for surveillance, intelligence, and operational support missions is also noted on AURO AERO’s to-do list.
The AURA Factory groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the second half of 2026, marking the official start of construction. The plant is expected to begin operations by 2028.
