AURA AERO, a French aircraft manufacturer, will invest $172.5 million to create 1,030 jobs at a new facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, with operations starting in 2028.

AURA AERO, an aircraft manufacturer based in France, announced plans to expand into Florida on Thursday, creating 1,030 jobs with an average wage of $73,695 and involving a capital investment of $172.5 million

The company will open its first U.S. facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s research park and build a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant. The announcement was made at the Farnborough Air Show by Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Embry-Riddle President Dr. P. Barry Butler, Space Florida CEO Rob Long, and AURA AERO co-founder and CEO Jérémy Caussade.

“We are thrilled to unveil AURA AERO’s expansion in the USA with the development of our industrial footprint in Florida,” said Caussade. “Supported by the State of Florida, Select Florida, and our partner Embry-Riddle, we have the perfect ecosystem to bring a new generation of aircraft to our American customers.”

“I am thrilled that AURA AERO has decided to expand their presence in Florida. We applaud their commitment to bringing additional high-wage job opportunities for Floridians and their dedication to the aerospace industry in our state,” said Nuñez.

By the end of 2024, AURA AERO will occupy a 10,000-square-foot hangar at Embry-Riddle’s research park, focusing on electric aircraft development. The subsequent development of the 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will enable the production, assembly, testing, and delivery of the ERA, a 19-seater hybrid electric commuter aircraft designed to enhance regional air mobility. AURA AERO’s expansion is part of its broader global industrial plan, which includes a factory in Toulouse, France.

“These kinds of collaborative efforts lead to exceptional outcomes such as the recruitment of AURA AERO to Daytona Beach,” said Butler. “This latest development will benefit Floridians as well as Embry-Riddle students who will gain real-world career experience.”

According to a prepared release issued by the Office of the Governor, Florida beat Texas, Alabama, Ohio, and Georgia for the factory, which is expected to be operational in 2028 and will start assembling aircraft in Q4 of 2028.