Global Sky has pre-ordered 15 Cassio aircraft from VoltAero, becoming a candidate launch customer in southeast Asia for its family of electric-hybrid aircraft.

The two companies will collaborate on bringing the Cassio to southeast Asia for efficient and sustainable regional air mobility, looking at the definition of routes and operations, the identification of airport compatibility and the establishment of recharging infrastructure at such facilities, and the development of a Cassio distribution network.

“Cassio is a perfect match for the regional air mobility ambitions of southeast Asia, bringing together the aircraft's flight range with the designed-in safety of our patented parallel electric-hybrid propulsion system,” says Jean Botti, VoltAero CEO and chief technology officer. “We look forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration with Global Sky.”

“Southeast Asia's regional aviation infrastructure will mature rapidly in the coming years with a growing emphasis on sustainability, which creates the right environment for the introduction of the Cassio. Our partnership with VoltAero is well-timed to meet the growing requirements of this region,” adds Global Sky CEO Christian Duhain.

Global Sky provides aircraft trading services to aircraft owners, with exclusive access to an extensive inventory of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It also offers aircraft management, financing and technical support.

Cassio aircraft will utilise the ENGINeUS 100 electric motor in the aft fuselage-mounted hybrid propulsion unit for all-electric power during taxi, take off, primary flight (if the distance travelled is less than 150km) and landing. The hybrid feature, with the internal combustion engine, comes into play as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. Additionally, this hybrid element serves as a backup in the event of a problem with the electric propulsion, ensuring true fail-safe functionality.