VoltAero signs agreement with SEDC Energy, ACI Groupe for Cassio aircraft production

VoltAero, the French developer of the Cassio aircraft family, today signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with SEDC Energy (SEDCE) of Malaysia and France's ACI Groupe, toward establishing a regional hybrid-electric aircraft assembly facility and innovation center in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

As part of this agreement, SEDCE and ACI Groupe have expressed their interest in acquiring an equity stake in VoltAero and becoming a strategic investor. The investment lays the foundation for a broader strategic partnership aimed at supporting the development of clean aviation across the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement outlines a shared vision to create an assembly center in Sarawak for VoltAero's Cassio aircraft, which uses electric-hybrid propulsion.

"This partnership is a major milestone for VoltAero and for the global transition to air transportation with reduced emissions," said Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technical Officer of VoltAero. "Establishing a regional hub in Malaysia allows us to expand our production capacity, deliver on regional demand, and transfer technology and skills to a key part of the world that is embracing sustainable aviation."

Key elements of the proposed collaboration include:
- establishment of a Cassio aircraft assembly facility in Sarawak
- training of local technicians and engineers, both in France and Malaysia
- creation of a pilot training academy with flight simulators
- technology transfer and local capability development, including final assembly line support and delivery operations
- manufacturing and distribution rights for the Cassio aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region granted to the SEDCE-ACI Groupe joint venture
- deployment of mobile charging solutions at regional airports and demonstration flights to build public and stakeholder awareness in electric-hybrid aviation
- development of local supply chains to support aircraft production, with the ACI Groupe playing a lead role in the project's early stages
- establishment of local MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) capabilities for electric aircraft
- joint development in hydrogen propulsion and sustainable fuels (SAF, biofuels) in partnership with strategic collaborators.

VoltAero's Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family is being developed for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, as well as in utility-category service for cargo, postal delivery, and medical evacuation (Medevac) applications. It will be produced in three versions: the Cassio 330 with up to five seats (pictured), the Cassio 480 with six seats, and the Cassio 600, which accommodates 10-12 seats.

(article source: VoltAero / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)
(image source: VoltAero)