VoltAero, a French aviation startup specializing in hybrid-electric aircraft, has introduced the series production version of its Cassio 330 regional plane at the 2025 Paris Air Show in Le Bourget. Unlike many next-generation air mobility projects that rely on vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems, the Cassio 330 is designed for conventional runways, offering a more practical and immediate low-emission solution for regional air traffic.
Significant technical refinements have been made to the Cassio 330’s propulsion and airframe design. The aircraft now uses a series hybrid configuration, featuring two Safran ENGINeUS electric motors mounted as rear fuselage pushers, paired with a thermal engine that recharges batteries during cruise. This marks a shift from the earlier parallel hybrid layout and enhances both certification prospects and operational efficiency under European CS-23 standards. A new T-tail replaces the prior double boom design, further increasing safety, particularly in scenarios involving potential propeller damage.
“By focusing on conventional infrastructure and real-world applications, we are taking a realistic step toward decarbonizing aviation,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO and former Airbus CTO. “The Cassio 330 is purpose-built for regional routes and flexible use cases, offering low noise, reduced emissions, and robust safety systems.”
The aircraft accommodates up to five passengers and a pilot, with modular interior options for cargo, medical transport, or public service roles. It includes accessibility features for passengers with limited mobility and offers redundancy through dual battery units and a “Half-Engine-Inoperative” function to ensure safe operation under partial engine loss.
Production is set to begin at a new 2,400-square-meter facility in Saint Agnant, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, which opened in late 2024 and targets an annual output of 150 units. VoltAero also plans to expand its manufacturing footprint to additional global regions.
The Cassio 330 forms the basis of a wider family of hybrid-electric aircraft under development by VoltAero, including the larger Cassio 480 and Cassio 600. All models share the core vision of sustainable, quiet regional flight without requiring radical changes to existing airport infrastructure.