It was a historic flight to which the solar plane “Solar Impulse HB-SIA”, backed by Deutsche Bank as a main partner, took off to last Wednesday in Payerne (Switzerland): For the first time in the history of aviation, a manned solar plane was supposed to stay non-stop 25 hours, day and night, in the air – solely powered by the energy of the sun.

The crucial question was if the 12,000 photovoltaic cells installed on the surface of the wing would be able to generate enough energy to bring the solar plane through the night. Part of the energy generated by sunlight was supposed to be used immediately for the propulsion; yet, most of the energy was to be stored in batteries for the night flight. This stored energy had to run the solar plane from sunset until two hours after sunrise, because the first light of dawn is not strong enough to load up the batteries.

Worldwide hundreds of thousands followed the historic flight via internet. The undertaking was a great success: André Borschberg, CEO from Solar Impulse and a professional military pilot, flue the unique airplane for 26 hours. "I've been a pilot for 40 years now, but this flight has been the most incredible one of my flying career. And finally the joy of seeing the sun rise and feeling the energy beginning to circulate in the solar panels again. I have just flown more than 26 hours without using a drop of fuel and without causing any pollution,” he exclaimed obviously exhausted but also overjoyed, when he got out of the cockpit on Thursday morning.

“Bravo André! You have just proved that what I have been dreaming about for the last 11 years, is possible", cried out Bertrand Piccard, initiator and president of the project, when he welcomed his companion at the cockpit and he added: “This is a crucial step forward, …, and allows us now to get closer to the perpetual flight without using a drop of fuel! If an airplane can fly at night the same as in the day, without fuel, using only solar energy, don’t tell us that our society cannot manage without fossil fuels”

The main endeavor of Piccard and Borschberg is to fly around the world in the unique solar plane from 2012. The solar plane has a wing span of 63.4 meters although it only weighs 1,600 kilograms. The construction of the innovative plane is the result of an intensive interdisciplinary teamwork. Solar Impulse sets new standards in the areas of aerodynamics, construction, propulsion and flight performance.
After the successful flight, Piccard dedicated the success to the team of engineers, technicians and consulters: “The success also belongs to Solvay, Omega, Deutsche Bank and all our partners without whom this demonstration of the potential of renewable energy and new technologies would not have been possible.”

Deutsche Bank, main partner of Solar Impulse, is proud to support this unique pioneering project, which is far more than a technical masterpiece. Solar Impulse is a symbol that shows what people with corporate and innovation spirit can achieve jointly. At the same time, this project represents the environmental and sustainability management of the bank.

Responsibility for the environment and the society is an essential obligation for Deutsche Bank and is a main part of the corporate identity. This becomes especially apparent in the rebuilding of the corporate headquarters in Frankfurt am Main to one of the most eco-friendly high-rise buildings. Moreover, Deutsche Bank plans to run its worldwide business climate-neutral starting from 2013. Furthermore, Deutsche Bank offers clients diverse opportunities to use the potentials of ecological and social sustainable products.

Additional information:
Solar Impulse
Deutsche Bank and sustainability: ensuring viability
Banking on Green
Greentowers