08 October 2023 || 3 min read
VoltAero announced on October 6th that the company will be joining the “Power Up” consortium, a collaborative effort of 18 partners dedicated to revolutionizing electric regional air mobility in Europe.
VoltAero signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) this past week, which marks a milestone in the Power Up initiative. VoltAero has committed to conducting test flights primarily in the Netherlands, and these flights aim to define operational procedures and enhance the passenger experience within the realm of inter-regional air transportation using electric aircraft.
Among the companies joining forces with VoltAero in the Power Up MoU are several Dutch airports, including Eindhoven Airport, Groningen Airport Eelde, Lelystad Airport, Maastricht Aachen Airport, and Rotterdam The Hague Airport. This coalition also features the participation of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the Dutch Railways, the Netherlands Aerospace Center, and various other consultancies.
VoltAero’s CEO and Chief Technology Officer, Jean Botti, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “The Power Up initiative is an excellent opportunity to show how Cassio and other e-airplanes offer the solution to introducing a new era of efficient air mobility with low-carbon emissions and reduced noise.” Botti also highlighted the company’s pride in pioneering sustainable aviation.
The Cassio aircraft family designed by VoltAero is tailored for commercial operators, air taxi/charter companies, private owners, cargo services, postal delivery, and medical evacuation (Medevac) operations. The company has a patented electric-hybrid propulsion system.
Cassio’s design incorporates an electric motor for taxiing, takeoff, primary flight (for distances less than 150 km), and landing. For longer journeys, a hybrid internal combustion engine serves as a range extender while recharging the aircraft’s batteries. This hybrid system aids redundancy and enhances safety.
VoltAero’s production lineup includes the Cassio 330, Cassio 480, and Cassio 600, each offering varying passenger capacities and electric-hybrid propulsion power. These aircraft promise higher performance and lower operational costs compared to their conventionally powered existing counterparts.
Why it’s important: VoltAero’s expertise and collaboration through the Power Up initiative will aid in the skies over Europe becoming cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable through the leveraged technological advances of the companies participating in this consortium.
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