Kawasaki makes strategic investment in VoltAero

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Kawasaki Motors has become a strategic investor in VoltAero, joining Series B funding for the development of VoltAero’s Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft range.

This investment, announced prior to the opening of the EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition),  marks the third funding phase for VoltAero.

Jean Botti, VoltAero’s CEO and chief technology officer, said: “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. Having Kawasaki as a strategic investor is another major vote of confidence for the Cassio programme.”

Cassio aircraft will be built in three versions. First to enter service is the Cassio 330, with five seats and powered by the 330-kilowatt electric-hybrid propulsion system. VoltAero’s follow-on six-seat Cassio 480 will have an electric-hybrid propulsion power of 480 kilowatts, while the Cassio 600 is sized at a 12-seat capacity with electric-hybrid propulsion power of 600 kilowatts.

Hiroshi Ito, president and CEO of Kawasaki Motors, added: “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 realise a carbon-neutral society, and decided to invest in VoltAero. We are delighted to contribute to VoltAero’s business growth through this investment.”

VoltAero is exhibiting at this week’s EBACE, find the firm in Exhibit Hall 4-6, Booth #A20, Innovation Zone Pavilion.

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