A French aircraft designer and manufacturer, AURA AERO Inc., is set to establish a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly plant at the Daytona Beach International Airport in Volusia County. This move is expected to generate over 1,000 high-paying jobs in the area.
The decision to select Volusia County as the location for the new facility was announced at the Brown & Brown headquarters in Daytona Beach, following AURA AERO’s choice to focus on Florida for its expansion into the American market. The company is also continuing its industrial development in Europe with the AURA Factory project in France.
Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald expressed his excitement about the partnership with AURA AERO, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the local economy and the aerospace industry. The county has experienced significant growth in recent years, creating thousands of jobs and contributing billions to the economy.
AURA AERO CEO Jérémy Caussade is optimistic about the opportunities in the area and the support received from various stakeholders. He highlighted the company’s mission to design and manufacture electric aircraft that promote sustainable air transport. The manufacturing plant will focus on producing hybrid electric regional aircraft (ERA) with a target of 100 ERAs per year.
Construction of the facility is scheduled to commence in 2026, with operations expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2028. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President P. Barry Butler expressed his appreciation for the partnership with AURA AERO, emphasizing the role of the company in providing career opportunities for students in aviation and STEM fields.
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick L. Henry welcomed AURA AERO to the city, highlighting the significant impact of their investment on the local economy and innovation in the aviation sector. Keith Norden, president and CEO of Team Volusia Economic Development Council (EDC), echoed the excitement surrounding the announcement and emphasized the strategic benefits of locating in Volusia County.
Overall, the decision by AURA AERO Inc. to establish its manufacturing and assembly plant in Volusia County is expected to bring economic growth, technological advancement, and job opportunities to the region. The collaboration between the company and various stakeholders underscores the importance of partnerships in driving innovation and development in the aerospace industry.