In a significant move for sustainable aviation, French company VoltAero has inked a Letter of Intent with Malaysia’s SEDC Energy and France’s ACI Groupe. This partnership paves the way for establishing a regional assembly facility and innovation center for VoltAero’s Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
The collaboration extends beyond manufacturing, as SEDC Energy and ACI Groupe have also expressed their intent to become strategic equity investors in VoltAero. This investment forms the cornerstone of a broader alliance aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of clean aviation technologies across the Asia-Pacific region.
Jean Botti, CEO of VoltAero, hailed the partnership as a “major milestone” for the company and for low-emission air transport globally. He emphasized that a regional hub in Malaysia will expand production capacity, meet local demand, and facilitate vital technology and skills transfer to a region keen on sustainable aviation.
The Chairman of SEDC Energy, Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Haji Abdul Aziz bin Dato Haji Husain, stated that the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s ambition to be a leader in sustainable technology. He noted it positions Malaysia at the forefront of next-generation aviation manufacturing and clean energy, supporting national decarbonization goals.
The partnership outlines a comprehensive plan, including:
- Setting up a Cassio aircraft assembly line in Sarawak.
- Creating a pilot training academy with flight simulators.
- Extensive technology transfer and training for local technicians.
- Granting manufacturing and distribution rights for the Asia-Pacific to the SEDCE-ACI joint venture.
- Developing local supply chains and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for electric aircraft.
- Joint research into future hydrogen propulsion and sustainable aviation fuels.
VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft family is designed as a versatile and reliable solution for regional commercial flights, air taxi services, and utility missions like cargo and medical evacuation. The aircraft will be produced in three versions: the 5-seat Cassio 330, the 6-seat Cassio 480, and the 10-12 seat Cassio 600, catering to a wide range of market needs with reduced environmental impact.
