FutureFlight
VoltAero Prepares for First Flight of Cassio and Targets First Deliveries by End of 2022
VoltAero expects to achieve a first flight with the Cassio at its headquarters in western France on March 24.
VoltAero Cassio
The VoltAero Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft shown at the 2019 Paris Air Show. (Photo: Mark Wagner)

VoltAero is planning a first flight for its Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft on March 24 at its Royan headquarters in western France. The private company, backed by former Airbus chief technical officer Jean Botti, claims it will achieve type certification of the all-composite fixed-wing design in a little over two years, in time for deliveries to begin by the end of 2022.

According to VoltAero, the projected production rate will be 150 units per year by 2025. However, it has yet to confirm any orders or commercial commitments for the model, which will be available in various configurations seating up to nine people.