Project Achieves Major Milestones as it Moves Closer to a Nine-Day, Non-Stop Hydrogen-Powered Flight in 2028
Climate Impulse, in collaboration with Syensqo, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), OCP Group, and Official Partner Breitling, has made remarkable progress in developing the world’s first hydrogen-powered airplane designed for a historic, non-stop, nine-day zero-emission flight around the globe in 2028.
From Vision to Reality: A Year of Breakthroughs
What began as a bold concept led by explorers Bertrand Piccard and Raphaël Dinelli has rapidly taken shape. Over the past year, Climate Impulse has transitioned from blueprints to physical construction, with the cockpit now complete and the wings under development. Daily execution and technological collaboration with Syensqo are critical to optimizing the aircraft’s performance and success.
While challenges remain, the team is committed to overcoming technological barriers in hydrogen storage, fuel cell efficiency, electric propulsion, and aerodynamics—transforming what was once considered “impossible” into a practical path for sustainable aviation.
Aviation’s Hydrogen Revolution: Driving Global Attention
Beyond the technical milestones, Climate Impulse has amplified its vision for a clean energy future on international platforms such as New York Climate Week, COP29 in Baku, and the World Economic Forum in Davos. The initiative challenges the belief that aviation cannot be decarbonized, proving that innovation can drive a sustainable economy and redefine global mobility.
Dr. Bertrand Piccard, Chairman of Climate Impulse, emphasized the significance of this mission:
“One year after launching Climate Impulse, we can already celebrate incredible achievements. What started as an ambitious dream is now becoming reality, overcoming countless technological hurdles. This project will be an environmental flagship, demonstrating to the world that efficient, clean energy solutions already exist. Our goal is to inspire their adoption, proving that the ecological transition is an extraordinary opportunity.”
Innovative Engineering: Overcoming Hydrogen Storage & Efficiency Barriers
To achieve this record-breaking flight, Climate Impulse must develop cutting-edge hydrogen storage and propulsion technologies that can sustain the aircraft for more than eight days. Key innovations include:
- Safe and lightweight liquid hydrogen storage
- Enhanced fuel cell efficiency
- Advanced electric propulsion systems
- Aerodynamic optimization to maximize energy performance
Raphaël Dinelli, Head of Construction and Co-Pilot, highlighted the project’s technological challenges:
“Our goal is to prove that aviation can be decarbonized with green hydrogen. We are mastering hydrogen storage and optimizing energy performance by pushing the limits of fuel cells, propellers, and electric motors. We are proud to work with Syensqo and leading aerospace experts, including Airbus, Ariane Groupe, Safran, Duc Hélices, EKPO, Green GT, SDMS, AD Venta, and H2 Pulse.”
Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Aviation
As Climate Impulse continues its technological breakthroughs, the project is positioned to be a turning point for the aviation industry, proving that hydrogen-powered flight is not just possible, but essential for a zero-emission future.
With the world watching, the historic nine-day flight in 2028 will serve as a powerful statement of what clean energy innovation can achieve, accelerating the global transition to sustainable aviation.
