- By signing a Letter of Intent for six ERA hybrid-electric aircraft, Safarilink is demonstrating leadership in transitioning to low-emission aviation, aligning its operations with global sustainability targets.
- The ERA’s hybrid-electric propulsion system, 900 NM range, and ability to operate from short, unpaved runways make it ideal for Africa’s diverse operating environments, reducing both fuel and maintenance costs.
- With capacity for 19 passengers or 1.9 tonnes of cargo, the ERA aircraft supports improved intra-regional mobility while cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 80%, offering a compelling case for green air transport development.
- AURA AERO’s orderbook of over 650 ERA aircraft, valued at $10.5 billion, signals strong market confidence in hybrid-electric solutions and underscores the viability of next-generation aircraft for regional operators.
Safarilink Airlines and AURA AERO, a French aircraft manufacturer, have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for ERA, the hybrid-electric regional aircraft, in its 19-seater version. The agreement concerns 4 aircraft plus 2 additional options.
Founded in 2004, Safarilink is Kenya’s premier safari airline. With a network of connecting domestic scheduled services to all the best safari destinations, within Kenya and across the border into northern Tanzania, Safarilink can also provide tailored private charter flights. The airline operates 12 Cessna and DeHavilland aircraft, ranging in size from 13 to 52 seats‚ to meet the specific requirements of operating into bush airstrips within Kenya’s world-famous game parks.
Jérémy CAUSSADE, President and co-founder of AURA AERO, comments: ”We are delighted to support Safarilink in their transition towards low-carbon aircraft. With ERA, they will take full advantage of a hybrid-electric aircraft, in terms of decarbonization and noise reduction, while upgrading to an innovative, new-generation plane, lowering both their operation and maintenance costs.”
ERA is a state-of-the-art, eco-responsible, hybrid-electric aircraft, designed to revitalise regional aviation while accelerating the decarbonization of aviation. With 8 electric motors (ENGINeUS, developed by Safran and the first-ever electric aircraft engine to be certified) and 2 SAF-compatible turbo-generators, it will alternate hybrid and electric phases according to flight requirements, with a range of up to 900 NM (1,666 km).
Packed with innovations in avionics, aerodynamics and propulsion, ERA offers a versatile solution for different missions, representing the most efficient solution for operators, both in terms of energy and maintenance costs. Capable of transporting 19 passengers or up to 1.9 tons of cargo, the aircraft can also be configured in a business version or a special mission version. ERA can operate from large airports as well as short, unpaved runways, and its 1.88-meter-high, pressurised cabin ensures unrivalled passenger comfort in its category.
Meeting the environmental challenges of the 21st century, ERA reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared with thermal aircraft in its class. By combining sustainability and economic viability, ERA is redefining the future of aviation and reinvigorating regional aviation, whether connecting up islands and archipelagos or offering direct flights between regional destinations.
“One of our key strategic priorities as an airline is to contribute to the decarbonization of aviation, by upgrading our fleet to next-generation, environmentally sustainable aircraft. In ERA, we have identified a cutting-edge and eco-efficient solution, and we are looking forward to start operating this state-of-the-art plane!” stated Alex Avedi, CEO of Safarilink.
Including this new order, AURA AERO already boasts an orderbook of more than 650 ERA aircraft, representing a total value of more than $10.5 Bn.
