SAINT AGNANT, France—VoltAero has officially opened its final assembly facility and headquarters at Rochefort Airport in France, marking a significant milestone in the development of its Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family. 

The new 2,400-square-meter facility, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, will serve as the hub for production, design, engineering, and testing of the Cassio aircraft, with an expected annual production capacity of 150 units. Additional sites are planned for key international markets.

The Rochefort facility is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring energy-efficient construction, including a mixed concrete-wood design, skylights for natural lighting, and solar panels for power. The plant has direct access to the airport’s runway and is well-connected to road, rail, and sea transport networks. It also has room for future expansion as VoltAero builds an industrial ecosystem for sustainable aviation.

VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft family will include models ranging from the 330-kilowatt, five-seat Cassio 330 to the 600-kilowatt, 12-seat Cassio 600. The hybrid propulsion system combines Safran ENGINeUS electric motors for all-electric flight during short trips with a Kawasaki Motors internal combustion engine to extend range and ensure safety. VoltAero aims to provide superior performance, lower operational costs, and a cleaner alternative to current regional air travel options.