Global Sky has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VoltAero to pre-order 15 Cassio aircraft. This makes them a potential launch customer in Southeast Asia for VoltAero’s family of electric-hybrid airplanes. The agreement was announced at the opening of this week’s Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K. It allows the two companies to work together on bringing Cassio to Southeast Asia for efficient and sustainable regional air travel. This includes defining routes and operations for the hybrid-electric aircraft, identifying airport compatibility, establishing recharging infrastructure at these airports, and developing a Cassio distribution network.
“Cassio is a perfect match for the regional air mobility ambitions of Southeast Asia, bringing together the aircraft’s flight range with the designed-in safety of our patented parallel electric-hybrid propulsion system,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO & Chief Technology Officer. “We look forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration with Global Sky.”
Christian Duhain, the CEO of Global Sky, added: “Southeast Asia’s regional aviation infrastructure will mature rapidly in the coming years with a growing emphasis on sustainability – which creates the right environment for the introduction of Cassio. Our partnership with VoltAero is well-timed to meet the growing requirements of this region.”
Global Sky offers aircraft trading services to aircraft owners, giving them access to a wide range of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. They also provide additional services such as aircraft management, financing, and technical support.
VoltAero’s Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family is designed for regional commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, and for cargo, postal delivery, and medical evacuation (Medevac) applications. The family includes the five-seat Cassio 330, the six-seat Cassio 480, and the 10-12-seat Cassio 600.
The propulsion concept for the Cassio aircraft is unique. It utilizes the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight (for distances less than 150 km), and landing. The hybrid feature, with an internal combustion engine, acts as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight and providing a backup in case of any issues with the electric propulsion.
By integrating VoltAero’s patented electric-hybrid propulsion system into their purpose-designed airframe, the Cassio aircraft is expected to deliver significantly better performance compared to the current competition and offer lower operational costs.
VoltAero will be showcasing at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow (Booth #D022).
