VoltAero, the French developer of hybrid-electric aircraft, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Malaysia’s SEDC Energy (SEDCE) and ACI Groupe of France to establish an aircraft assembly facility and innovation center in Sarawak, Malaysia. The agreement marks a strategic step toward expanding VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft family in the Asia-Pacific region.
The agreement also includes SEDCE and ACI Groupe expressing interest in acquiring an equity stake in VoltAero, strengthening the partnership’s long-term commitment to advancing sustainable aviation technologies in the region.
Cassio Aircraft Assembly Facility in Sarawak
Under the LOI, the partners will create a state-of-the-art Cassio aircraft assembly line in Sarawak. VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft uses electric-hybrid propulsion to enable efficient, quiet, and eco-friendly regional operations.
“This regional hub in Malaysia allows us to expand production capacity, fulfill growing demand, and transfer vital technology and skills to a region fully embracing sustainable aviation,” said Jean Botti, CEO and CTO of VoltAero.
Strategic Vision for Asia-Pacific Growth
The collaboration outlines a multi-faceted plan to accelerate hybrid-electric aviation across the region. Key components of the partnership include:
- Establishing a pilot training academy and flight simulator operations
- Technology transfer and development of local talent in aviation manufacturing
- Distribution and manufacturing rights for Cassio aircraft in the Asia-Pacific, managed by the SEDCE–ACI Groupe joint venture
- Deployment of mobile charging infrastructure at regional airports
- Conducting demonstration flights to build public and industry awareness
- Creating local supply chains and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) capabilities
- Joint development of hydrogen propulsion and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)
VoltAero’s Expanding Cassio Family
VoltAero is developing the Cassio aircraft in three configurations:
- Cassio 330, a five-seat variant
- Cassio 480, accommodating six passengers
- Cassio 600, a 10–12 seat configuration
Targeted for regional commercial operators, air taxi services, cargo and Medevac missions, the aircraft aims to deliver low-emission, low-noise operations with flexible deployment across both developed and emerging markets.
VoltAero’s Sarawak facility is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating the Cassio aircraft’s production, training, and deployment throughout Asia.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
