Aviation News – July 2, 2025 – VoltAero, the French leader in electric-hybrid aviation and creator of the Cassio aircraft family, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Malaysia’s SEDC Energy (SEDCE) and France’s ACI Groupe. The agreement sets the stage for a hybrid-electric aircraft assembly facility and innovation center to be established in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Under the LOI, both SEDCE and ACI Groupe have declared their intention to acquire an equity stake in VoltAero. This strategic investment is a cornerstone of a broader partnership focused on advancing clean aviation across the Asia-Pacific region.
The partners share a vision of building a modern, sustainable aircraft assembly plant in Sarawak. The facility will produce VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft, designed with electric-hybrid propulsion technology that offers quiet, efficient, and low-emission regional air travel. The initiative will also support pilot training programs.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone for VoltAero and for the global movement toward cleaner aviation,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO and Chief Technical Officer. “Setting up operations in Malaysia enhances our production capacity and enables us to serve a growing regional market, while transferring valuable skills and technology to Southeast Asia.
”Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Haji Abdul Aziz bin Dato Haji Husain, Chairman of SEDC Energy, emphasized Sarawak’s strategic potential.“Sarawak is well-positioned to lead in sustainable technology,” he said. “This partnership places Malaysia at the forefront of clean energy and next-generation aviation, in line with our national sustainability and decarbonization goals.
”ACI Groupe’s President and CEO, Philippe Riviere, echoed the sentiment: “We’re excited to join forces with VoltAero and SEDC Energy to bring electric-hybrid aviation to Asia-Pacific. Our collective mission is to foster a clean, connected future in global air travel.
”Key components of the collaboration include:
Construction of a Cassio aircraft assembly facility in Sarawak
Technical training for engineers and technicians in both France and Malaysia
Creation of a pilot training academy with advanced flight simulators
Technology transfer and skill-building for final assembly and aircraft delivery operations
Exclusive rights for manufacturing and distributing Cassio aircraft in Asia-Pacific, granted to the SEDCE–ACI Groupe joint venture
Deployment of mobile charging units at regional airports and electric-hybrid aircraft demonstration flights
Development of local supply chains to support production, with ACI Groupe taking a lead role
Establishment of local MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities for electric aircraft
Joint initiatives in hydrogen propulsion and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development
The Cassio aircraft series is designed to meet a range of operational needs. VoltAero is developing three models: the Cassio 330 (up to five seats), Cassio 480 (six seats), and the larger Cassio 600 (10–12 seats). These aircraft are suited for regional commercial operators, air taxis, private owners, cargo and postal services, as well as medical evacuation missions.With this agreement, VoltAero, SEDC Energy, and ACI Groupe take a major step forward in shaping the future of clean aviation in Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Image VoltAero
