This summer, a team of intrepid pilots and engineers undertook the first ever ‘Tour de France’ in an electric aircraft. Over 17 days, The Elektro Tour covered 2,400 kilometers across the French Alps in a Pipistrel Velis Electro, flying for more than 50 hours with zero CO2 emissions and an 80% reduction in noise pollution.
With electric flight continually demonstrating greater range, the challenge offered a glimpse into a future where zero emission and sustainably powered business aircraft can soar the skies.
As part of our series exploring business aviation as a business tool, we spoke with Emmanuel Rety, the founder of the Elektro Tour to learn more about the potential for this technology.
Emmanuel, where did the idea for the Elektro Tour come from?
Avialpes, our flight school and airline were the first Approved Training Organization (ATO) in France to buy an electric training aircraft – the Pipistrel Velis Electro. Our staff and students were very excited by the arrival...