VoltAero marked another important step toward the full-scale production of its Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family with groundbreaking for a final assembly line at Rochefort Airport in the Charente-Maritime department of France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
The 2,400 square metre facility will serve as the build-up site and delivery centre for VoltAero’s all-new product line of Cassio aircraft, and positions VoltAero at a strategic location in southwest France.
The plan incorporates the potential for VoltAero’s future growth of up to 7,400 square metres, as well as enabling suppliers and service providers to develop their own presence.
In addition to meeting or exceeding the requirements of France’s RT 2005 regulations for energy-efficient buildings, the project management team went further with features that include a mixed concrete/wood structural design and the use of wooden floors where appropriate, along with rainwater harvesting and photovoltaic panels for electrical power.
With the facility’s completion targeted for August 2024, it will incorporate the final assembly line, a workshop, logistics area and the design engineering offices. VoltAero anticipates producing approximately 150 aircraft per year.
“VoltAero is once again delivering on its promise to bring a clean-sheet design aeroplane to market for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly flight using electric-hybrid propulsion,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO.
Alain Rousset, president of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, added: “Nouvelle-Aquitaine was one of the first partners for Jean Botti and his teams as they began developing their hybrid-electric aircraft concept, and we look forward to seeing Cassio aeroplanes as they are delivered from the final assembly line.”
Project management for the construction of VoltAero’s final assembly facility at Rochefort Airport is the responsibility of a regional association of airports called the Syndicat Mixte des Aéroports de La Rochelle — Ile de Ré et Rochefort — Charente-Maritime.
“VoltAero represents the type of highly innovative companies that we are looking to support at Rochefort Airport in developing the aviation industry’s future,” continued Gérard Pons, President of the Syndicat Mixte des Aéroports de La Rochelle — Ile de Ré et Rochefort — Charente-Maritime.
Advantages of the industrial site for VoltAero include its direct access to Rochefort Airport’s existing 2,280 metre long by 45 metre wide runway, as well as the availability of the region’s road, rail and sea transportation links.
Last week, VoltAero flew the proprietary electric-hybrid powertrain for its Cassio S testbed aeroplane with 100% sustainable fuel provided by TotalEnergies.
