“From now on we will have to count on competition from Rochefort. Toulouse simply had to behave”, smiles Hervé Blanché, mayor and president of the Rochefort conurbation. VoltAero, a young French aircraft manufacturer, inaugurated this Friday its first assembly site built at Rochefort-Saint-Agnant airport.
In these 2,400 m2 laboratories, the hybrid devices of the Cassio family will soon be produced, including the Cassio 330 equipped with two propulsion systems, thermal and electric. “It requires less than 300m to take off and is suitable for all French airports,” underlines Jean Botti, CEO and technical director of VoltAero, which aims to revolutionize aviation and regional mobility.
Up to 150 planes will come out of this new factory each year, he said. His goals? Private owners, regional companies, companies specializing in freight transport, postal delivery and medical evacuation. That is to say, many customers interested in an innovative and carbon-free aircraft, which can be modulated according to needs and is low in noise. VoltAero hopes to rapidly expand its family with the Cassio 480 and Cassio 600 which will allow it to meet its challenge: to transport up to 12 passengers within a radius of 1,200 km.
A 4.5 million euro project
Seduced by the prospect of a “carbon-free aeronautical sector”, reindustrialization and job creation, the State, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Rochefort agglomeration invested more than one million euros to build this factory. Thanks to a loan, the Joint Syndicate of La Rochelle – Île de Ré and Rochefort airports paid the balance of this project estimated at over 4.5 million euros.
VoltAero currently has around forty employees. “There were three of us when it all started, in 2008. We hope to be more than 150 in 18 months,” predicts Jean Botti. Equipped with four to five seats, the Cassio 330 has already registered 230 pre-orders. Its price will fluctuate between 1.3 and 1.5 million euros.
Once certified, the first models will leave the factory in the second half of 2026, announces Jean Botti.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Jean Botti, CEO of VoltAero
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Jean! It’s great to have you here today. Your recent event at Rochefort-Saint-Agnant airport must have been exciting. Can you tell us more about the significance of inaugurating your first assembly site there?
Jean Botti: Thank you for having me! Yes, the inauguration was a pivotal moment for VoltAero. Establishing our first assembly site in Rochefort not only represents our commitment to innovation in aviation but also sets the stage for regional development and competition. As Mayor Hervé Blanché noted, it’s crucial for Toulouse to step up and respond to this new competitive landscape.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting you mention competition. How do you view the role of competition in the aviation sector, especially with the rise of electric and hybrid aircraft?
Jean Botti: Competition drives innovation, which is essential in such a rapidly evolving industry. By introducing our hybrid Cassio family of aircraft, we’re aiming not only to improve regional mobility but also to set a high standard in eco-friendly transportation. It pushes everyone to innovate and find ways to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of the Cassio family, can you elaborate on the features of the Cassio 330? What sets it apart from conventional aircraft?
Jean Botti: Absolutely! The Cassio 330 is equipped with both thermal and electric propulsion systems, enabling it to operate in diverse environments. It requires less than 300 meters to take off, making it compatible with all French airports. This versatility is key; whether it’s for private owners, regional companies, or vital services like freight transport and medical evacuations, we believe our aircraft can meet those needs effectively.
Time.news Editor: That’s impressive! With a production goal of up to 150 aircraft per year, what markets are you primarily targeting?
Jean Botti: Our primary markets include private owners and regional companies, which we see as essential for revitalizing local economies. Moreover, we’re focusing on specialized applications like freight transport, postal delivery, and medical evacuation. These sectors are in dire need of sustainable and efficient transport options, and we believe the Cassio 330 can fill that niche.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of potential for growth. On a broader scale, how do you see VoltAero contributing to the future of aviation and regional mobility?
Jean Botti: Our vision extends beyond just producing aircraft; we’re part of a larger movement towards sustainable aviation. By deploying hybrid technology, we can significantly reduce emissions and operational costs, making air travel more accessible and environmentally friendly. Our goal is to revolutionize regional mobility, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to efficient transport solutions.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that VoltAero has a bold vision. As we wrap up, what do you hope to achieve in the next five years within the aviation industry?
Jean Botti: In the next five years, we aim to expand our fleet of Cassio aircraft and establish ourselves as a leader in hybrid aviation. We want to build partnerships with regional airlines and service providers, fostering a network that prioritizes sustainable mobility. Ultimately, our goal is to transform how people and goods move, enhancing connectivity while preserving our environment.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Jean! It’s inspiring to hear your insights and vision for the future. We look forward to seeing how VoltAero shapes the next era of aviation.
Jean Botti: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about what lies ahead and appreciate the opportunity to share our journey.