Aura Aero Flies Former VoltAero Aircraft As X-Volt Technology Demonstrator | Aviation International News

Aura Aero Flies Former VoltAero Aircraft As Testbed

Aura Aero makes first flight of hybrid-electric testbed since acquiring assets

Modified Cessna 337 Skymaster over coast r — Sporting new livery, the former VoltAero testbed has recommenced flights with its new owner Aura Aero. © Aura Aero

By Charlotte Bailey • News Reporter

September 18, 2026

Aura Aero has made its first flight of X-Volt, a modified Cessna 337 Skymaster formerly owned by fellow French hybrid-electric aircraft startup VoltAero. In an announcement on September 16, Aura Aero said it is using the model as a technology demonstrator for its in-development 19-seat ERA regional airliner.

Flight tracking data shows the aircraft, registered as F-WOLT, made the local sortie from VoltAero’s former headquarters at Rochefort in the west of France. Aura Aero reported it has now completed more than 350 hybrid-electric and all-electric flights with the X-Volt and the Integral E, its two-seat all-electric trainer. It is aiming for 2027 certification of the latter, while work continues to progress on its plans for Era.

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