Aura Aero’s Integral S Moves Closer to Its First Flight

The recent approval, which Aura calls a "prequel” to the aircraft’s first flight, clears the way for the French civil aviation authority, or DGAC, to issue a permit allowing the company to begin flight testing. After successful completion of flight testing, the aircraft would be ready for CS-23 certification, which applies to small aircraft, Aura said. 

The Integral design represents a family of two-seaters that are capable of aerobatics. In addition to the S model, which has tricycle landing gear and a conventional engine, the company is developing the Integral R, a conventionally powered taildragger version, and the Integral E, an electric-powered version available with either landing gear layout.

“The entire Aura Aero team is very proud today to reach a new milestone in the Integral adventure,” said Jérémy Caussade, Aura’s co-founder, president, and chief engineer. “We are eager to see this new plane take off. The Integral family is already a great success, with

over 400 orders or letters of intent.”

Aura, founded in 2018, says its goals include decarbonizing aviation. The company is also developing the ERA, or electric regional aircraft, a 19-seat airliner for which it says it has received numerous letters of intent. The company said it plans to conduct the ERA’s first flight in 2026, with the aircraft entering service in 2028.