AltiSky agreement sees VoltAero expand presence in North America
November 19, 2024
An agreement with AltiSky for Cassio aircraft assembly, sales, training and support will see VoltAero expand its presence in North America.
The strategic partnership was announced during the Air Expo Abu Dhabi on Tuesday 19 November, which VoltAero is attending despite not being able to attend Bahrain Airshow last week. Under the agreement, AltiSky will build a 30,000 sq. ft. Cassio assembly facility with an adjoining delivery centre in the US to distribute across the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. AltiSky will also be tasked with developing a training complex with a flight simulator and establishing a network of regional maintenance support facilities.
Hybrid-electric propulsion
VoltAero’s Cassio 330 will be configured with a five-seat interior, operating on a hybrid-electric propulsion power of 330 kilowatts using the Safran ENGINeUS electric motor for all-electric power during taxi, take-off, primary flight and landing. The hybrid feature, with the internal combustion engine from Kawasaki Motors, will be used as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. It will also serve as a backup in the event of electric propulsion failure. Once the 330 model has been rolled out, it will be followed by the six-seat Cassio 480 with a combined hybrid-electric propulsion of 480 kilowatts and the Cassio 600 with a 10-12 seat capacity and propulsion power of 600 kilowatts.
Earlier in November, VoltAero inaugurated its primary Cassio final assembly plant and new headquarters at Rochefort Airport in France. This latest agreement with AltiSky will now “position Cassio as a benchmark in North American regional air mobility,” according to Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO and CTO.
Realistic approach
Bill Minkoff, president and co-founder of AltiSky, who has a strong background in aircraft sales, distribution, flight operations and advanced air mobility is also an experienced aviator with 20,000 hours logged in various aircraft types. He also co-founded the AAM consultancy company and served as vice president of the AAM association. “I’m convinced that VoltAero’s approach is truly realistic, bringing Cassio’s configuration as a conventional take-off and landing aircraft together with the company’s proprietary electric-hybrid propulsion system,” he said.
Underlining his enthusiasm for VoltAero’s highly eco-efficient aircraft, Minkoff added: “Cassio uses battery technology and power output levels available today, backed by the safety of VoltAero’s dual-source electric-hybrid powertrain. Additionally, its operation from airports reduces risks that eVTOLs face in terms of urban acceptance and the need for significant infrastructure development.”
