Thursday, 24 July 2025

Sarawak inks next-gen aviation deal with French pioneer

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ROCHEFORT, France: VoltAero, the French pioneer in electric-hybrid aviation and developer of the Cassio aircraft family, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Sarawak’s SEDC Energy (SEDCE) and France’s ACI Groupe.

The agreement paves the way for establishing a regional hybrid-electric aircraft assembly facility and innovation centre in Sarawak.

Key elements of the collaboration include establishing a Cassio aircraft assembly facility in Sarawak, training local technicians and engineers in France and Malaysia, and creating a pilot training academy with flight simulators.

As part of the partnership, SEDCE and ACI Groupe have expressed interest in acquiring an equity stake in VoltAero, becoming strategic investors to lay the foundation for clean aviation development across the Asia-Pacific region.

“This partnership is a major milestone for VoltAero and the global transition to air transportation with reduced emissions.

“Establishing a regional hub in Malaysia allows us to expand production, meet regional demand, and transfer technology and skills to a key part of the world embracing sustainable aviation,” said Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technical Officer of VoltAero.

SEDCE chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Abdul Aziz Husain highlighted Sarawak’s unique position as a leader in sustainable technology.

“Through this collaboration with VoltAero, Malaysia will be at the forefront of next-generation aviation manufacturing and clean energy development.

“This supports regional ambitions to position Malaysia as a green aviation hub, aligned with national goals for decarbonisation, technology transfer, and skilled workforce development,” he said.

Philippe Riviere, President and CEO of ACI Groupe expressed pride in partnering with VoltAero and SEDC Energy.

“We are proud to partner with VoltAero and SEDC Energy to bring electric-hybrid aviation to the Asia-Pacific region.

“This project reflects our shared belief in a clean, connected future for global air transport,” he said.

The agreement also outlines technology transfer, the establishment of a local supply chain, local maintenance capabilities, and joint development in hydrogen propulsion and sustainable aviation fuels.

The project will grant the SEDCE-ACI Groupe joint venture manufacturing and distribution rights for the Cassio aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region, along with plans to deploy mobile charging solutions at regional airports and conduct demonstration flights to raise public awareness of electric-hybrid aviation.

VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft family, under development as a reliable and versatile product line, is designed for regional commercial operators, air taxi and charter services, private owners, and utility applications including cargo, postal delivery, and medical evacuation.

The family will include the Cassio 330 (up to five seats), Cassio 480 (six seats), and Cassio 600 (10–12 seats).

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