Kawasaki Becomes Strategic Investor in VoltAero

Kawasaki has become a strategic investor in VoltAero, which is currently raising funds in its Series B round to continue developing its Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft family. 

The investment was announced before the start of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Series B round, the third phase of funding initiated by VoltAero, puts the company in a prime position to bring its Cassio 330 – the first electric-hybrid aircraft – to market. 

The Cassio 330 features an aerodynamically-optimized fuselage, a forward fixed canard, and an aft-set wing with twin booms that support a high-set horizontal tail. The aircraft also has a patented electric-hybrid propulsion system integrated into the airframe. 

“Kawasaki’s engine expertise and its capacity for innovation brings a new dimension to VoltAero as we complete the final definition of our electric-hybrid powertrain for the Cassio aircraft family,” said Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO & Chief Technology Officer. “Having Kawasaki as a strategic investor is another major vote of confidence for the Cassio program.”

Hiroshi Ito, President and CEO of Kawasaki Motors, acknowledged that VoltAero stands out in a crowded space with its creativity, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. 

“We were deeply impressed by VoltAero’s creative design and innovative technology in the aviation industry, as well as its strong sense of mission to help realize a carbon-neutral society, and decided to invest in VoltAero. We are delighted to contribute to VoltAero’s business growth through this investment,” Ito said. 

VoltAero’s Cassio line includes the Cassio 330, which will be the first airplane to launch commercially. The aircraft features five seats and will be powered by a 330-kilowatt electric-hybrid propulsion system. 

Among VoltAero’s production line, the six-seater Cassio 480 is equipped with a 480-kilowatt electric-hybrid propulsion system. The third and final aircraft is the Cassio 600, which can hold 12 passengers and possesses electric-hybrid propulsion power of 600 kilowatts.

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