First electric aircraft crosses English Channel in VINCI Airports-supported sustainable aviation tour
Posted: 2 July 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
The Elektro Tour promotes decarbonisation with a 100% electric aircraft flying from Lyon-Bron to London Gatwick and beyond.
Credit: VINCI Airports
The first-ever English Channel crossing in a certified 100% electric aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, began on Tuesday 1 July from Lyon-Bron Airport (LYN), and is set to arrive at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on 8 July, before concluding in Annecy on 25 July.
The milestone flight is part of the Elektro Tour, supported by VINCI Airports, which is hosting nine stages across its network: Lyon-Bron (LYN), London Gatwick (LGW), Rennes Bretagne (RNS), Saint-Nazaire Montoir (SNR), Nantes Atlantique (NTE), Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne (CFE), Grenoble Alpes Isère (GNB), Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc (CMF), Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc (NCY).
VINCI Airports said the tour aligns with its environmental ambition, which includes decarbonising airport operations and supporting sustainable aviation. “This ambition places a significant emphasis on the decarbonisation of air transport, alongside the objectives of preserving natural environments and developing the circular economy.”
The operator has already reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 50% since 2018 and aims for a two-thirds reduction by 2030. Efforts also target scope 3 emissions, including support for electric aviation. “VINCI Airports supports electric aviation and promotes its deployment within its airport network.”
The Pipistrel Velis Electro, designed for flying clubs and flight schools, is paving the way for the decarbonisation of general aviation. The Elektro Tour is led by a young crew aged 17 to 23, united in their mission to promote sustainable and innovative flight.
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Aircraft, Airport development, Cleaner, Greener Airports: Making Aviation More Sustainable Series, Digital transformation, Emissions, Green energy, Innovation, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Regulation and Legislation, Sustainability
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Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc (NCY), Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc (CMF), Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne (CFE), Grenoble Alpes Isère (GNB), London Gatwick (LGW), Lyon-Bron (LYN), Nantes Atlantique (NTE), Rennes Bretagne (RNS), Saint-Nazaire Montoir (SNR)
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