Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

VoltAero unveiled a mockup of the first member of its planned family of Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft on Tuesday morning at the EBACE business aviation show. The company also flew its technology demonstrator aircraft to the event in Geneva from its headquarters in western France, running the propulsion system on biofuels made from wine.
Jean Botti, the former Airbus executive who is now VoltAero’s CEO and chief technology officer, said his team expects to start flight testing the first Cassio prototype later this year. The mockup being displayed this week represents the entry-level Cassio 330 that will carry four passengers. The company is also working on the larger Cassio 480 and 600 models that will carry six and 12 passengers, respectively.
VoltAero’s now-patented powertrain design is based on a pair of Safran’s EngineUs electric motors, a turbogenerator, and an aft-mounted pusher propeller. The hybrid-electric range is expected to be up to around 695 nm and just 82 nm while operating in all-electric mode.
Fractional ownership group Sky2Share has agreed to step up the partnership agreement it announced with VoltAero last May. The Swiss company has placed pre-orders for 15 Cassio 330s.
Sky2Share CEO Selim Franko said his company will likely act as a distributor for Cassio aircraft, offering shares to private owners and operating under Part 91 rules rather than with an air operator certificate. It also has plans to provide maintenance services for other Cassio operators, as well as flight training.
According to Sky2Share chief commercial officer Philippe Vignon, its business model is based on a commitment to ensure that all carbon dioxide emissions from its flights will be fully offset. It is now raising funding to add some Pilatus PC-12 turboprop singles to its fleet as it waits for Cassio to complete EASA CS-23 type certification.
VoltAero claims it holds sales agreements covering more than 220 Cassio aircraft. It is also working with Kawasaki on longer-term plans for a hydrogen-electric version.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

VoltAero Shows Cassio 330 Mockup with Fractional Ownership Group Sky2Share

The French company aims to start flying the Cassio prototype by the end of 2024

VoltAero flew the technology demonstrator for its Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft to the EBACE show in Geneva using biofuels made from wine.

VoltAero Displays Cassio 330 Mockup with Partner Sky2Share

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Company's latest Business Aviation Market Brief showed flight operations rising 2.4% year over year

Global Jet Capital: Bizav Market Stable in 4Q2024

Chad Trautvetter

Aircraft wing assembly is coming together in anticipation of first flight next year

First Flight-test HondaJet Echelon Begins To Take Shape

Kerry Lynch

Company is offering $3 million retrofit kit to bring Global 7500 in line with the 8000

Bombardier Finalizing Global 8000 Flight-test Campaign

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Helicopter deliveries and orders were among the highlights of aerospace group's 2024 results 

Airbus Pushes For Increased Airliner Deliveries in 2025

Airplane billings soar 14.3%, helicopters climb 7.6%

Industry Billings Top $31B as Bizjet Shipments Increase

While market grew last year and is expected again this year, business aircraft deliveries will flatten out long-term

Teal Group Sees Double-digit Bizav Market Growth in 2025

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

EBACE Convention News 2024

In this article

VoltAero

More In Aircraft

Global Jet Capital: Bizav Market Stable in 4Q2024

Company's latest Business Aviation Market Brief showed flight operations rising 2.4% year over year

First Flight-test HondaJet Echelon Begins To Take Shape

Aircraft wing assembly is coming together in anticipation of first flight next year

Bombardier Finalizing Global 8000 Flight-test Campaign

Company is offering $3 million retrofit kit to bring Global 7500 in line with the 8000

Airbus Pushes For Increased Airliner Deliveries in 2025

Helicopter deliveries and orders were among the highlights of aerospace group's 2024 results

Industry Billings Top $31B as Bizjet Shipments Increase

Airplane billings soar 14.3%, helicopters climb 7.6%

Teal Group Sees Double-digit Bizav Market Growth in 2025

While market grew last year and is expected again this year, business aircraft deliveries will flatten out long-term

EBAA Releases EBACE Conference Details for Geneva Show

Three stages will include live discussions about aircraft operations, innovation, and business aviation news

Seaplane Industry Sets Course for Sustainable Revival

There’s no shortage of a need for aircraft that can take off and land on water, supporters say

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN