The Swiss aeroplane “Solar Impulse” propelled by solar energy took off Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at 05:10 (03H10 GMT) from the Brussels airport to join the airport of Paris-Le Bourget (France), where it was invited as Special Guest for the International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, which will be held from 20 to 26 June 2011.

Swiss aeroplane "Solar Impulse" propelled by solar energy

Air show premiere
This will be the first air show appearance made by the revolutionary aeroplane, culmination of a genuine human and technological adventure, which made a historic 26-hour day and night flight without fuel, powered only by solar energy, in July 2010. Bertrand Piccard, André Borschberg and their team were delighted to accept the invitation offered for the event by the Paris Air Show, the world's number 1 air show.

Daily flights
From 20 to 26 June, visitors to the show will be able look closely at Solar Impulse on the ground, and each morning, so long as weather conditions are favourable, admire its majestic flying displays whilst marvelling at the silence of its electric motors.

A pioneering, innovative spirit
With the participation of Solar Impulse, the Paris Air Show continues its tradition of presenting the most innovative prototypes, which have marked the history of the show for more than 100 years, thereby sharing its passion and dreams with visitors.
As a showcase for the boldest technological advances, the Paris Air Show is in perfect harmony with the culture which unites the Solar Impulse team in its human quest for innovation, its search for new technology, its desire to respect the environment and its motivation for sustainable development.

A real technical challenge
Given its 64 metre wingspan (as wide as an Airbus A340), light weight and extremely slow speed, organising flying displays by the Solar Impulse HB-SIA at the Paris Air Show is also a real aviation challenge, which will be faced jointly on a daily basis by teams from both the Show and Solar Impulse.