Assembly line complete for maker of electric-hybrid aircraft that can slash emissions

French electric aircraft startup VoltAero has inaugurated its final assembly facility and headquarters at Rochefort Airport as it works towards the certification and production of its first electric-hybrid aircraft.

The purpose-built facility will be the primary hub for production and delivery of the Cassio family of electric-hybrid aircraft, with capacity of building 150 aircraft, and will be further supposed by on-site design, engineering, flight test, and administrative departments.

VoltAero performed the world’s first flight of an electric-hybrid aircraft in September of 2023 using 100 per cent sustainable fuel, using bioethanol produced from waste that originates in French vineyards. CEO Jean Botti says this cut emissions by around 80 per cent.

“It underscores the opportunity for production Cassio aircraft to represent a major step closer to aviation’s decarbonization goals by replacing standard Avgas 100 high-octane fuel for aviation piston engines,” Botti said.

Able to seat between 5 and 12 persons, the Cassio boasts flight duration of at least 3.5 hours from a combined electric-hybrid propulsion system with power ratings of 330kW, 480kW, and 600kW for the three versions.

VoltAero hopes the Cassio will serve as a platform for a number of aviation uses, including private owners, air taxi and charter companies, commercial flights for point-to-point regional travel, and across the utility aviation category such as for cargo, postal delivery, and medevac.

“We are addressing the highly important market requirement to connect thousands of communities and regions around the world with truly sustainable and efficient advanced regional air mobility – while remaining fully compatible with the airport and air traffic control infrastructure,” said Botti.

“Additionally, our patented electric-hybrid propulsion system for Cassio provides the dual-source power to fly safely and is based on electric battery technology that is available today.”

A flight demonstrator, the Cassio 1, is already in the process of validating the powertrain configuration for airworthiness certification. Meanwhile, the electric-hybrid powertrain for the five-seat Cassio 330 version was installed on a ground-based test bench earlier this year for certification testing.

VoltAero’s first production aircraft version will be the Cassio 330, though no indication was given as to when the company expects production to get underway. The Cassio 330 will be followed by the 480kW and 600kW versions.