Corporate travel-focused private airline operator Pan Européenne Air Service (PEAS) has lodged the first order with French aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO for its new regional 19-seater hybrid electric aircraft.
The new ERA plane is powered by eight electric ENGINeUS motors – the world’s first certified electric aircraft engine, developed by aerospace company Safran – and two sustainable aviation fuel compatible turbogenerators. The plane will automatically alternate between hybrid and electric modes depending on the flight phase and will have a range of up to 900 nautical miles (1,500km) and a maximum cruise speed of 300 knots (555 km/hr).
It will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%.
In terms of order book, AURA AERO said it has 700 letters of intent from 16 international airlines, valued at $12bn.
PEAS Co-CEOs Antoine Foessel and Clément Jacquot, said: “AURA AERO’s ambition and values are perfectly aligned with our vision of the aviation of tomorrow. The technological and industrial choices made in the design and production of ERA since the launch of the company have always proved extremely relevant, and it was only natural that we chose this aircraft in order to be able to offer the first decarbonised air transport service in history.”
“Pan Européenne is much more than a launch customer, it is a trusted partner that has been with us since the beginning of the ERA programme,” said Jérémy Caussade, President and co-founder of AURA AERO.
