Safari Link, Kenya's best safari airline, is taking a bold step towards an environmentally friendly future by signing the four-era hybrid electric regional aircraft intention (LOI) with two additional options from French aerospace innovator Aura Aero. The announcement came at the 2025 Paris Air Show, highlighting East Africa's growing commitment to aviation sustainability.
The move is in line with global efforts to position Safarilink as one of the first African operators, embracing hybrid electric regional aviation and decarbonizing air travel decarburization. ERA (electric regional aircraft) is designed to significantly reduce emissions while reducing operational costs for airlines serving environmentally sensitive areas such as Kenya's world-renowned national parks.
Reinventing regional aviation
The 19-seater ERA aircraft is a cutting-edge solution with eight Engineus Engineus Electric Motors developed in eight Safrans and two sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) turbo generators, allowing for flexible hybrid or complete electric flight stages. With a range of up to 900 nautical miles (1,666 km), the ERA is designed to handle both passenger and cargo operations.
Hybrid electrical technology is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional regional aircraft, making it one of the most eco-efficient aircraft in its class. The ERA's pressurized cabin (1.88m high) offers unparalleled passenger comfort in its size, but its ability to operate from short and dirt runways makes it suitable for remote bush strips typical of East African safari routes.
“We are pleased to support Safarilink in its transition to low-carbon aircraft,” said Jérémy Caussade, president and co-founder of Aura Aero.
“At ERA, we will upgrade to a new generation of innovative aircraft, while making the most of hybrid electrical technology in terms of decarburization, noise reduction and cost-effectiveness.”
Key steps in sustainability in African aviation
Safarilink CEO Alex Avedi has confirmed that it has become central to the airline's fleet renewal plan.
“One of our main strategic priorities is to contribute to the decarbonisation of aviation by upgrading our fleet to next-generation environmentally sustainable aircraft. In the ages, we have identified cutting-edge, eco-efficient solutions.
With this agreement, Safarilink has established itself as a pioneer of sustainable Safari Travel, combining the brand with both green tourism trends and Kenya's broader environmental policies, including commitments under the Paris Agreement and the National Deoossification Framework.
Regional impact: tourism, trade, sustainability
Operating since 2004, Safarilink has become a key connector for Kenya's most popular safari destinations, including cross-border connections to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and even northern Tanzania. New hybrid electric aircraft will play a key role in reducing safari tourism's carbon footprint.
Additionally, ERA's freight operation flexibility serves Safarilink to support regional trade in East Africa, serving remote locations, particularly with tourism as well as humanitarian assistance, medical supplies and logistics support.
Aura Aero's growing order form
With this order, Aura Aero's ERA program exceeds 650 aircraft in the order book, exceeding $10.5 billion. This interest reflects the growing momentum surrounding hybrid electric aviation as a technology that is entirely shifting to commercial electric flight.
Africa's commitment to aviation cleaning is to gather pace. In early 2025, Ethiopian Airlines signed a contract with Archer Aviation for electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. Safarilink's ERA order will strengthen this shift and place East Africa as a pioneer in sustainable aviation.
