Ascendance Signs Malaysia Deals for Hybrid-Electric VTOL Growth

Post by : Meena Rani

French hybrid-electric aviation firm Ascendance has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Pen Aviation and Pahang Aerospace City Development (PACD) in Malaysia. The agreements focus on the deployment of Ascendance’s STERNA hybrid-electric propulsion system and the ATEA VTOL aircraft across Southeast Asia, while also opening opportunities for local integration, co-production, and flight demonstrations.

Key Agreements

1. Pen Aviation (Distribution & Technology Integration):

• Distribution rights for the ATEA hybrid-electric VTOL across Southeast Asia.

• Feasibility studies for heliport-to-heliport connections.

• Exploration of integrating the STERNA hybrid propulsion system into locally developed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

• Aim: Position ATEA as an alternative air connectivity solution and expand the use of STERNA across light platforms.

2. Pahang Aerospace City Development (Industrial Presence & Demonstration):

• Plans to establish a hybrid propulsion competence center and potential co-production facilities.

• On-site flight demonstrations at Pahang Aerospace City, a new aerospace hub being developed within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

• Access to Malaysian regulatory authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

• Opportunities for academic and engineering collaboration with the University Malaysia Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah.

Technology & Background

• STERNA Hybrid Pack: A modular propulsion system introduced in 2025, combining batteries, energy management, and electrical distribution. It is designed for integration into both UAVs and manned aircraft, aiming to lower emissions while maintaining performance.

• ATEA VTOL Aircraft: A light hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft with capacity for up to five passengers. It is designed for missions such as passenger transport, freight, medical evacuation, and security operations. The ATEA features ducted-fan technology and is projected to achieve ranges of up to 400 km depending on mission profile.

• Company Profile: Founded in 2018 in Toulouse, Ascendance receives financial backing from Bpifrance and European regional programs. The company also secured a €5 million Clean Aviation grant to accelerate hybrid-electric technology development.

Existing Presence in Southeast Asia

Ascendance is already working with PhilJets in the Philippines, where it holds 15 letters of intent for ATEA aircraft. This deal demonstrates the regional demand for hybrid-electric VTOL solutions and strengthens Ascendance’s strategy to expand across Southeast Asia.

Market Relevance

Southeast Asia represents one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, with projected annual air traffic growth of over 5% through 2040. Malaysia, with hubs like Pahang Aerospace City, provides a strategic base for industrial activity, demonstrations, and regulatory engagement. The country’s evolving aviation policies also support advanced air mobility (AAM) and low-altitude flight services, creating favorable conditions for pilot projects.

What Comes Next

The agreements are structural and exploratory rather than immediate commercial launches. Next steps include:

• Technical and commercial feasibility studies,

• Flight demonstration programs,

• Evaluation of co-production opportunities,

• Regulatory discussions and academic collaborations.

Announcements regarding full-scale production or deployment will follow after these evaluations are complete.

Ascendance Malaysia MoU, Pen Aviation partnership, Pahang Aerospace City collaboration