VoltAero to set up Cassio assembly centre in Sarawak

Partnership with Sarawak & French firm for aircraft production & training

VoltAero, a French developer of electric-hybrid aircraft, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Malaysia’s SEDC Energy and France’s ACI Groupe. The agreement outlines a plan to establish a regional Cassio aircraft assembly facility and innovation centre in Sarawak, Malaysia.

To set up a regional Cassio aircraft assembly facility and innovation centre in Sarawak, Malaysia, French electric aircraft manufacturer VoltAero has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Malaysia’s SEDC Energy and France’s ACI Groupe.

In a press statement, VoltAero says that both SEDC Energy and ACI Groupe have also expressed interest in acquiring an equity stake in the company. Additionally, this potential investment is part of a broader partnership to support clean aviation development in the Asia-Pacific region.

It adds that the planned facility in Sarawak will support the production of VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft, which uses electric-hybrid propulsion. The site will also be used for pilot training programmes.

VoltAero says that the collaboration will involve the establishment of a Cassio aircraft assembly facility in Sarawak, training of local technicians and engineers in both France and Malaysia, and the creation of a pilot training academy with a flight simulator. It also includes technology transfer and capability building, covering final assembly support and delivery operations.

“Through this collaboration with VoltAero, Malaysia will be at the forefront of next-generation aviation manufacturing and clean energy development,” says Abdul Aziz bin Dato Haji Husain, Chairman, SEDC Energy. He adds that the initiative aligns with national goals for decarbonisation, technology transfer and skilled workforce development.

The French aircraft maker says that SEDCE–ACI Groupe joint venture will receive manufacturing and distribution rights for the Cassio aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership plans to deploy mobile charging systems at regional airports and conduct demonstration flights to raise public and stakeholder awareness of electric-hybrid aviation.

“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,” says Philippe Riviere, President, CEO, ACI Groupe.

The statement says that the development of local supply chains will be prioritised, with ACI Groupe playing a key role in early-stage planning. The project will also include the establishment of local maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for electric aircraft. Additionally, the partners intend to collaborate on research and development in hydrogen propulsion and sustainable aviation fuels, including SAF and biofuels.

The company says the aircraft are being developed for regional commercial use, air taxi services, private ownership, and utility roles such as cargo, postal delivery, and medical evacuation.

“This partnership is a major milestone for VoltAero and for the global transition to air transportation with reduced emissions. Establishing a regional hub in Malaysia allows us to expand our production capacity, deliver on regional demand, and transfer technology and skills to a key part of the world that is embracing sustainable aviation,” says Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technical Officer, VoltAero.