VoltAero has opened a new 2,400-square-meter assembly facility in Saint Agnant, located in the Charente-Maritime department of eastern France, to manufacture its Cassio aircraft family. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet growing demand for regional air mobility and is equipped to produce up to 150 aircraft annually. The Cassio aircraft will feature an electric-hybrid propulsion system, making them suitable for regional commercial operations, cargo, postal delivery, and medical evacuation services.
Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technology Officer of VoltAero, emphasized the importance of the facility in meeting the market demand for sustainable and efficient air travel. “We are addressing the essential market requirement to connect thousands of communities and regions around the world with truly sustainable and efficient advanced regional air mobility,” said Botti. The facility is strategically located with easy access to Rochefort Airport, which has a runway capable of handling the aircraft, as well as connections to rail and sea transportation.
VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft will be powered by Safran ENGINeUS electric motors for all-electric flight during taxi, takeoff, primary flight, and landing, with Kawasaki Motors supplying internal combustion engines as range extenders to recharge the batteries in-flight. The first aircraft in the series, the five-seater Cassio 330, will offer 330 kilowatts of rated power. Following that, the six-seater Cassio 480 with 480 kilowatts and the twelve-seater Cassio 600 with 600 kilowatts will be developed. The hybrid propulsion system also provides a fail-safe in case of electric propulsion issues, ensuring reliable operation.
The new assembly facility marks a significant milestone for VoltAero as it prepares to deliver the Cassio aircraft and contribute to the development of sustainable regional air transportation.
