VoltAero Picks Safran Wiring for Hybrid Cassio 330 Aircraft

Post by : Amit

Photo : X / Vincent Lamigeon

Strategic Alliance for a Clean Aviation Future

VoltAero has selected Safran Electrical & Power to supply the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) for its Cassio 330 hybrid-electric aircraft. The decision strengthens VoltAero's roadmap for aircraft certification and series production by 2025, as it gears up to deliver one of Europe’s most promising green regional transport solutions.

The Cassio 330, designed for four to five passengers, is the initial model in VoltAero’s family of hybrid-electric aircraft and serves as the technology demonstrator for a larger fleet that will range up to 12 seats. With this Safran partnership, VoltAero aims to optimize electrical efficiency, safety, and weight reduction—all critical aspects of hybrid-electric aviation.

Advanced EWIS for High-Performance Hybrid Aviation

Safran’s Electrical & Power division will design and supply a lightweight, high-reliability EWIS to distribute power across the aircraft’s propulsion, avionics, and onboard systems. The wiring interconnection system will integrate seamlessly with the Cassio 330’s parallel hybrid propulsion, which combines an electric motor with an internal combustion engine for flexible power management.

Safran’s solution emphasizes smart routing, electromagnetic compatibility, and high-temperature resistance, all of which are essential for handling the dynamic power loads and operational stresses of hybrid-electric flight.

Empowering Certification and Commercial Entry

The Cassio 330 is currently in an advanced stage of development, with a prototype under construction at VoltAero’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine facility in France. The aircraft is expected to complete its first flight in 2024, with type certification and market entry targeted for 2025.

Safran’s contribution is vital for the aircraft’s compliance with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) certification standards. A reliable, lightweight, and certifiable EWIS is not just a technical necessity—it’s a strategic enabler for VoltAero’s commercial ambitions.

Why VoltAero Chose Safran

VoltAero’s choice of Safran was driven by the company’s decades-long expertise in electrical systems for aerospace platforms. Safran’s EWIS solutions are already in use on multiple Airbus, Dassault, and business aviation platforms, making it one of the most trusted players in the industry.

This proven track record ensures that VoltAero’s Cassio 330 will benefit from mature processes, flight-proven components, and the manufacturing depth required to scale from prototypes to full production.

Technical Details: Wiring for Hybrid Complexity

The Cassio 330’s hybrid propulsion system relies on the seamless interplay between electric and thermal energy. The aircraft is designed with a push-propeller layout, powered by a combination of electric motors and a thermal engine—developed by Safran subsidiary Aviation Design.

This complex architecture demands wiring that can withstand voltage variability, thermal load, and rapid switching during different phases of flight (takeoff, cruise, emergency). Safran’s EWIS will ensure smooth power transitions, redundancy, and built-in safety logic via embedded connectors and control modules.

From Demonstrator to Fleet Family

The Cassio 330 is only the beginning. VoltAero plans to scale its hybrid-electric aircraft family to include the Cassio 480 (six seats) and Cassio 600 (12 seats) in the coming years. The technology, design, and certification learnings from the 330 will serve as a base platform for the entire lineup.

Safran’s partnership thus extends beyond a single aircraft—it is setting up an EWIS platform that can be adapted across multiple variants, enabling faster production ramp-up and shared architecture.

Clean Propulsion Meets Commercial Need

VoltAero’s hybrid aircraft are optimized for short regional routes, especially those underserved by larger commercial jets. The Cassio 330 is expected to offer low emissions, quiet operations, and reduced fuel burn—an ideal solution for airports in eco-sensitive areas or near urban centers.

The aircraft also offers quick recharge and refuel turnaround, allowing operators to maximize fleet utilization while maintaining green credentials. With a top speed of 200 knots (370 km/h) and a range of over 1,200 km, it combines the best of both electric and combustion technologies.

Supporting the European Union’s Green Deal

This collaboration falls squarely within the European Commission’s Green Deal goals and Flightpath 2050, which call for drastic reductions in aviation emissions. By enabling safe and scalable hybrid-electric propulsion, VoltAero and Safran are working together to accelerate the transition to climate-neutral aviation.

Their partnership is also backed by local and regional institutions in France, underscoring the growing role of public-private innovation ecosystems in decarbonizing air transport.

Manufacturing and Certification Readiness

Safran’s wiring system for the Cassio 330 will be engineered and produced at its Châteaufort facility, which specializes in advanced electrical technologies for aviation. The plant is known for its Lean manufacturing practices, rigorous quality assurance, and close alignment with EASA standards.

With VoltAero’s flight-testing program set to begin this year, Safran’s timely delivery and integration support will be crucial to maintaining the 2025 certification target.

Wiring a Cleaner Sky

The selection of Safran Electrical & Power as the EWIS supplier for VoltAero’s Cassio 330 marks a major moment for the future of hybrid-electric flight. As Europe moves toward greener, quieter, and more efficient regional air mobility, the success of such partnerships will be critical.

With its robust design, proven manufacturing, and aviation-grade quality, Safran’s wiring isn’t just powering VoltAero’s aircraft—it’s powering a new era of sustainable flight.

Hybrid Aircraft, Electric Wiring Systems Aviation