VoltAero to take hybrid-electric aircraft production to Malaysia
July 4, 2025
VoltAero has signed a Letter of Intent with Malaysia’s SEDC Energy and France-based ACI Groupe to explore setting up an aircraft assembly facility and innovation hub in Malaysia.
The announcement moves the French hybrid-electric aircraft manufacturer closer to opening manufacturing capacity in Southeast Asia.
The agreement includes an expression of interest from SEDCE and ACI Groupe in acquiring a strategic equity stake in VoltAero, aligning their ambitions with the French company’s plans to scale production of its Cassio aircraft family.
The partnership would see the construction of a new assembly facility in Sarawak dedicated to producing VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft.
VoltAero Cassio looks east
The Cassio series features electric-hybrid propulsion and is designed for low-emission, quiet short-haul flights.
The proposed Malaysian base would also serve as a centre for pilot training and skills development.
“This partnership is a major milestone for VoltAero and for the global transition to air transportation with reduced emissions,” said Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technical Officer of VoltAero.
“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.”
Philippe Riviere, president and CEO of ACI Groupe, highlighted the significance of the initiative for future air mobility: “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.”
Training in Malaysia
The scope of the collaboration includes a proposed final assembly line in Sarawak for Cassio aircraft, alongside technician training programmes in both Malaysia and France.
It also includes the development of a pilot academy equipped with flight simulators to support regional air operations using Cassio aircraft.
Further ambitions in the agreement involve the transfer of assembly and maintenance knowledge, with VoltAero’s Malaysian partners granted manufacturing and distribution rights in Asia-Pacific.
Mobile charging infrastructure for electric aircraft will be deployed to support regional airports, along with demonstration flights to build awareness.
