Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Jump Air has taken a bold leap toward greener skies by signing a landmark Letter of Intent with French manufacturer AURA AERO at the Paris Air Show for the acquisition of up to twenty hybrid-electric ERA aircraft. This strategic move not only reinforces the airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation but also signals a major shift in regional air travel across its vast network. By integrating cutting-edge, low-emission technology into its fleet, Jump Air aims to enhance regional connectivity, reduce carbon emissions, and position itself as a frontrunner in the global push for environmentally responsible air transport solutions.

During the renowned Paris Air Show, a pivotal advancement in sustainable aviation was unveiled as French aircraft innovator AURA AERO and Lithuanian airline Jump Air formalized a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of ERA, a cutting-edge hybrid-electric regional aircraft set to redefine eco-friendly air travel. The agreement includes ten firm orders with an option for ten more, encompassing both the 19-seat passenger and cargo variants of the aircraft.

This collaboration marks a transformative step in the aviation sector’s shift toward cleaner, more efficient air travel, particularly in the underserved regional flight market.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, Jump Air has carved a niche in ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter operations. Despite its relatively young age, the airline maintains an expansive service network spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central America. It currently operates a fleet of two ATR 72-500 aircraft, each capable of seating 72 passengers, and employs 34 crew members dedicated to ensuring smooth, dependable operations.

With its latest strategic move, Jump Air is aiming to redefine its regional connectivity offerings by integrating innovative, low-emission aircraft into its fleet.

Developed by AURA AERO, the ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft) is a next-generation hybrid-electric aircraft poised to revolutionize short-haul aviation. Designed to meet today’s environmental demands while ensuring economic efficiency, ERA can carry 19 passengers or up to 1.9 tons of cargo, depending on configuration.

Equipped with eight ENGINeUS electric motors from Safran—marking the world’s first certified electric aircraft engines—and two turbo-generators that run on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the aircraft intelligently alternates between hybrid and fully electric modes. This flexible propulsion system grants the ERA an operational range of up to 900 nautical miles (approximately 1,666 kilometers), making it a robust choice for both commercial and logistical missions.

ERA’s design also includes a pressurized cabin with a 1.88-meter ceiling height, delivering enhanced passenger comfort for its category. It is capable of taking off and landing from unpaved, short runways, making it ideal for remote or rural routes that conventional aircraft often struggle to serve.

AURA AERO has focused on embedding cutting-edge aerodynamics, propulsion, and avionics into the ERA platform. The result is an aircraft that not only delivers up to an compared to traditional aircraft of similar size but also offers significant cost advantages in terms of energy consumption and maintenance.

The ERA is versatile in its mission capabilities, with potential configurations for business-class comfort or specialized operational roles, such as medical evacuation or surveillance. This adaptability is key to capturing various market segments while addressing a critical need for sustainable solutions in regional travel.

With this new order, Jump Air is embracing the hybrid-electric movement not just as a technical upgrade, but as a foundational shift in its mission. The airline intends to deploy the ERA aircraft to improve air connectivity for small and remote communities across its service regions. By doing so, it aims to support regional development, boost tourism, and provide essential transportation services—all while dramatically lowering the carbon footprint of its operations.

This forward-thinking approach positions Jump Air as a leader in the transition to low-emission aviation in Europe and beyond, underscoring its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service inclusivity.

Jump Air has committed to a cleaner aviation future by signing a landmark deal for up to twenty hybrid-electric ERA aircraft from AURA AERO at the Paris Air Show, aiming to revolutionize regional air travel with sustainable technology.

The collaboration between AURA AERO and Jump Air signals a promising shift in how regional air travel can operate sustainably without compromising on performance, comfort, or reach. As the aviation industry continues to face growing environmental pressure and rising operational costs, initiatives like the ERA program are not just desirable—they are essential.

The LOI signed at the Paris Air Show sets a clear trajectory: regional aviation is undergoing a quiet but powerful revolution, and with players like Jump Air and AURA AERO at the helm, the skies are set to become greener, more accessible, and more efficient for generations to come.