French startup VoltAero has presented the series version of the Cassio 330, a hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to enable low-emission traffic at existing airports. The aircraft notably breaks away from other air taxi concepts via its conventional take-off and landing method.
At the Paris Air Show 2025 in Le Bourget this week, the French aviation company VoltAero presented the series configuration of its hybrid-electric Cassio 330 regional aircraft. With this, the company moves one step closer to producing a sustainable commercial aircraft that operates on conventional runways and is not designed as an eVTOL or air taxi.
Technical development and configuration changes
The Cassio 330 has undergone considerable further development leading up to this production model, particularly with regards to certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). By adapting it to the CS-23 standards for normal aircraft, it became possible to reduce the aircraft’s complexity and improve certifiability.
The original parallel hybrid propulsion system, in which an electric motor and an internal combustion engine jointly drive a propeller, has been replaced by a series hybrid system. In the new configuration, two Safran ENGINeUS electric motors drive the engine as ‘pushers’ mounted to the rear of the fuselage. An additional thermal motor acts as a range extender by recharging the batteries during cruise flight.
In electric mode, the Cassio 330 flies quietly and with low emissions – particularly during taxi, take-off and initial climb. This combination of electric and combustion propulsion enables a significant reduction in emissions and noise – particularly advantageous for regional airports. Another striking design feature of the new series configuration is the switch from a double boom tail to a classic T-tail. This increases structural safety – especially in the event of propeller damage.
Safety, redundancy and application diversity
The aircraft offers a high level of redundancy to boost operational safety. This includes two independent battery units and a so-called ‘Half-Engine-Inoperative’ (HEI) feature ensuring safe operation even in the event of a partial engine failure. Inside, the Cassio 330 offers space for a pilot and up to five passengers. The cabin remains modular and can also be adapted for cargo transport, medical flights or public service flights. A spacious entrance also provides access for people with limited mobility.
Series production of the Cassio 330 is to take place in a newly built 2400-sq m production facility in Saint Agnant in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The plant, which opened in November 2024, is designed for annual production of up to 150 aircraft. In the future, VoltAero hopes to build additional production facilities in other regions and markets.
VoltAero: background and objectives
Founded in 2017, VoltAero is headquartered in France and led by former Airbus CTO Jean Botti, who acts as both CTO and CEO of VoltAero. The company is supported by a combination of public funding (such as Safran) and venture capital. VoltAero’s goal is to develop a new generation of electric and hybrid aircraft that are both environmentally and economically viable.
Besides the 330, VoltAero is working on an entire family of aircraft under the Cassio name, including larger models such as the Cassio 480 and Cassio 600. All versions are based on the same basic principle: sustainable, quiet regional flight with electric support and practical applicability to existing aviation infrastructure – a realistically, technologically achievable step towards the decarbonisation of aviation.
voltaero.com
