France’s VoltAero to receive substantial EU funding for its Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft

VoltAero, based in Médis, France, has been awarded an initial grant of €2.1 million (US$2.5 million) by the European Innovation Council in support of Europe’s Green Deal Strategy and Recovery Plan.

The company has been identified from a total of 2,077 candidates for funding as one of several game-changing startups, having received a “seal of excellence” which recognized the Cassio project for its motivated team, aviation knowledge and experience, as well as its sound business model and commercial analysis. VoltAero has also been earmarked for “blended financing” at a higher value that includes an equity portion of up to €11 million (US$13.1 million.)

“The European Innovation Council supports visionary entrepreneurs who create transformative solutions to pressing societal and environmental challenges, supporting the Green Deal and the Recovery Plan for Europe,” said Mariya Gabriel, the European Union’s Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. “These start-ups and SMEs are set to scale up, creating jobs and growth and giving Europe the global lead in green technologies and solutions.”

VoltAero is developing a family of hybrid-electric airplanes for commercial flights on point-to-point regional routes, air taxi/charter companies, deployment in various utility-category applications, and also for private owners. The aircraft will be available in three versions ranging from four to ten seats.

“The European Innovation Council’s grant is another vote of confidence for our commitment in taking electric aircraft to an entirely new level,” explained Marina Evans, VoltAero’s Director General and Co-founder. “This is a recognition of how hybrid-electric aircraft can unleash a revolution in fast, convenient, and eco-efficient regional travel – in which our Cassio airplane family will have an important role.”

VoltAero’s Cassio design brings together a sleek, aerodynamically-optimized fuselage, a forward fixed canard, and an aft-set wing with twin booms that support a high-set horizontal tail. The company’s hybrid-electric module that will power these aircraft is currently undergoing full-scale flight evaluations using a testbed aircraft at VoltAero’s headquarters at Royan-Médis Airport in southwest France.