Volusia County Lands French Aerospace Company

AURA AERO, Inc., a French designer and manufacturer of next-generation aircraft, has announced plans to build a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly plant at the Daytona Beach International Airport, according to a media release. The announcement of the selection of Volusia County — made at the Brown & Brown headquarters in Daytona Beach — follows the AURA AERO decision in July to narrow down the location of the new facility to the state of Florida.

The company had previously considered a number of locations, narrowing the decision to Texas and Florida as potential locations for its stateside manufacturing operations.

“AURA AERO’s decision to establish its U.S. headquarters at the Daytona Beach International Airport is a tremendous win for aerospace, aviation, education, the local and regional economy, and the people of Volusia County,” said Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald, in the release. “This partnership not only highlights the strength and strategic importance of our airport, it also positions our community as a hub for cutting-edge technology and opens the doors for other innovative companies to choose Volusia County.”

Over the past decade, Volusia County has seen strong growth, including the creation of more than 7,000 jobs with a total economic impact of over $2 billion, the release states.

AURA AERO CEO Jérémy Caussade is enthusiastic about the area and the strong welcome and support he’s received from community leaders, industry and academic partners.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with the State of Florida, Volusia County, the Daytona Beach International Airport, and other key partners as we advance our mission to design and manufacture headway electric aircraft that accelerate air transport and decarbonization,” said AURA AERO CEO Jérémy Caussade in the release. “This area and its leadership support economic growth and development along with technological advancement, and we’re excited to be a part of its future development while providing high-value jobs that will dramatically change the aviation industry.”

The facility will manufacture and assemble hybrid electric regional aircraft with the goal of producing 100 aircraft per year. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in 2026, and the plant is estimated to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2028.

“Through the generous gifts and support of Philanthropists Cici and Hyatt Brown, as well as strong industry partnerships, Embry-Riddle has been able to make transformational expansions and create a career pipeline for students in aviation, aerospace and other STEM-related fields. As an invaluable corporate partner, AURA AERO — an anchor tenant at our Research Park — will continue to be a vital partner with our university and research community to bring its vision to the world,” said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, in the release.

The announcement drew praise from local business and industry leaders, including Kent Sharples, president of the CEO Business Alliance.

 “Our mission is to support job creation and capital investment in Volusia County. With (the) announcement, I can say to my state, community, and business partners — job well done,” he said in the release.

Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick L. Henry added a welcome from the city of Daytona Beach, saying the city is proud to welcome the company to the area.

“This is a monumental step forward for our community,” he said in the release. “Their investment will profoundly impact our local economy, bringing over 1,000 high-paying jobs and making Daytona Beach a hub for innovation in the aviation industry. Thank you to our partners who worked tirelessly to bring them to Daytona Beach.”

Keith Norden, president and CEO of Team Volusia Economic Development Council  said the effort to bring AURA AERO to Volusia County was a long-term project.

 “Since January of 2023, Team Volusia EDC has had the opportunity to work with AURA AERO during their U.S. site selection process, promoting the many geographic and strategic benefits of locating in Volusia County,” he said in the release. We are excited to join the State of Florida, Volusia County, the CEO Business Alliance, and all our excellent regional partners in welcoming AURA AERO to our community.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

Rendering of the planned AURA AERO facility Photo Courtesy of AURA AERO