Sarawak is positioning itself as a strategic location for the final assembly of VoltAero’s Cassio family of hybrid-electric aircraft, following a tripartite agreement signed between the French aerospace manufacturer, SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd, and French engineering firm ACI Groupe.
SEDC Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sarawak State Economic Development Corporation, formalised the collaboration through a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed in Rochefort, France, on 2 July 2025. The agreement aims to establish a dedicated aircraft assembly facility and innovation centre in Sarawak.
In addition to the assembly plant, the collaboration encompasses the training of local technicians and engineers in both Malaysia and France, alongside the creation of a pilot training academy equipped with flight simulators. Key components of the partnership include technology transfer, the development of a local supply chain, and the establishment of maintenance capabilities. The parties will also engage in joint development of hydrogen propulsion systems and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
As part of the agreement, the SEDC Energy–ACI Groupe joint venture will secure exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights for VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft across the Asia-Pacific region. Demonstration flights and deployment of mobile charging solutions at regional airports are planned to raise public awareness of hybrid-electric aviation technology.
VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft family, currently under development, is intended for regional commercial operations, air taxi and charter services, as well as cargo, postal, and medical evacuation use. The aircraft lineup includes the Cassio 300 (four seats), Cassio 480 (six seats), and Cassio 600 (10 to 12 seats).
Both SEDC Energy and ACI Groupe have expressed interest in acquiring an equity stake in VoltAero, signalling their commitment to becoming strategic investors and further strengthening the region’s capabilities in clean aviation technologies.
VoltAero’s inaugural production line in Rochefort, inaugurated in November 2024, will serve as the foundation for expanding manufacturing operations into Malaysia.
Jean Botti, VoltAero’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer, remarked that the collaboration marks a significant milestone for the company and the global shift towards low-emissions air transport.
“Establishing a regional hub in Malaysia allows us to expand production, meet regional demand and transfer technology and skills to a key part of the world embracing sustainable aviation,” said Botti.
Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Husain, Chairman of SEDC Energy, noted that the initiative supports Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional leader in next-generation aviation manufacturing and clean energy development.
“This supports regional ambitions to position Malaysia as a green aviation hub, aligned with national goals for decarbonisation, technology transfer and skilled workforce development,” he said.
SEDC Energy is also progressing on a pilot SAF production plant with an initial capacity of 15,000 tonnes per annum, developed in partnership with Swiss technology company Sulzer. The facility will utilise Sulzer’s proprietary Bioflux technology. On 2 July, a memorandum of understanding was signed between SEDC Energy, Sulzer, and Singapore-based Apeiron Bioenergy to formalise the project.
In addition, SEDC Energy is collaborating with Gentari, a clean energy provider, to jointly develop and manage the Sarawak H2 Hub in Bintulu. The hub will serve as the region’s centralised facility for green hydrogen production, standardisation, and distribution for downstream applications.
Dr Abdul Aziz highlighted Sarawak’s unique position as a leader in sustainable technologies, reinforcing the state’s readiness to play a transformative role in aviation decarbonisation and energy innovation.
ACI Groupe President and CEO Philippe Riviere echoed this sentiment, emphasising the strategic importance of the project.
“This project reflects our shared belief in a clean, connected future and global air transport,” he said.
-The Star
