http://www.greenlivingonline.com/GettingAround/solar-impulse-brings-us-one-step-closer/
(Feb 22, 2008)
Imagine guilt-free travel in a plane with no carbon footprint and no emissions? It may happen sooner that you think. 
Now is the time
Skyrocketing jet fuel prices have given impetus to the Solar Impulse project. This prototype plane uses solar energy rather that jet fuel to get around and its promise of a emission free flight has got the industry excited.
New partnership
This week the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced it’s partnership with Solar Impulse. The agreement, signed by Bertrand Piccard, President of Solar Impulse and Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA, outlines a strategy for cooperation between the two organizations.
"Solar Impulse and IATA share a vision. We are natural partners. We are both looking towards a zero carbon emission future for air travel. Solar power is one of the building blocks that will make this happen. The Solar Impulse initiative is proof that with vision anything is possible -- even carbon free flight," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA.
Day or night
The plane will have solar cells on the wings that will store up energy it in batteries while running the engine. The batteries are expected to last 16 hours after dark, enough time to get to the next sunrise for recharging.
"Our future freedom relies on us converting to renewable energy sources as soon as possible. In this sense, the vision set by IATA to eliminate all polluting emissions within the next 50 years is admirable," explained Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and President of Solar Impulse.
2009 for first flight
The Solar Impulse is expected to go in its first test flight by 2009 carrying only one person. In 2011, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, CEO hope to fly around the world with five stop-overs. IATA will help by providing support including assistance in obtaining air traffic control clearance.
There is still a long way to go until the plane can carry a full passenger load and with a price tag of $70 million US, it won’t be coming to an airport near you anytime soon.
But as Bisignani reminded everyone: "Achieving zero carbon passenger flights will not happen overnight. And no single initiative can provide all the answers. But the airline industry was born by realising a dream that people could fly."
Anne Colvey is a freelance writer based in Montreal who loves leaving on a jet plane.
Solar Impulse brings us one step closer
Image: istockphoto.com/Dane Wirtzfeld
Now is the time
Skyrocketing jet fuel prices have given impetus to the Solar Impulse project. This prototype plane uses solar energy rather that jet fuel to get around and its promise of a emission free flight has got the industry excited.
New partnership
This week the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced it’s partnership with Solar Impulse. The agreement, signed by Bertrand Piccard, President of Solar Impulse and Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA, outlines a strategy for cooperation between the two organizations.
"Solar Impulse and IATA share a vision. We are natural partners. We are both looking towards a zero carbon emission future for air travel. Solar power is one of the building blocks that will make this happen. The Solar Impulse initiative is proof that with vision anything is possible -- even carbon free flight," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA.
Day or night
The plane will have solar cells on the wings that will store up energy it in batteries while running the engine. The batteries are expected to last 16 hours after dark, enough time to get to the next sunrise for recharging.
"Our future freedom relies on us converting to renewable energy sources as soon as possible. In this sense, the vision set by IATA to eliminate all polluting emissions within the next 50 years is admirable," explained Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and President of Solar Impulse.
2009 for first flight
The Solar Impulse is expected to go in its first test flight by 2009 carrying only one person. In 2011, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, CEO hope to fly around the world with five stop-overs. IATA will help by providing support including assistance in obtaining air traffic control clearance.
There is still a long way to go until the plane can carry a full passenger load and with a price tag of $70 million US, it won’t be coming to an airport near you anytime soon.
But as Bisignani reminded everyone: "Achieving zero carbon passenger flights will not happen overnight. And no single initiative can provide all the answers. But the airline industry was born by realising a dream that people could fly."
Anne Colvey is a freelance writer based in Montreal who loves leaving on a jet plane.
1 Comment
posted Mar 18, 2008 - 8:10 pm by Goran
Love ,the palins to flay on soler am 28 and am wery exidet for soler power energy ,i think that is new revolucion in 21 senc. I hope politihens araud the world reala the importenc of global warming and clin future .And i hope that oll the clarix realize that oile is bad and soler is the future !!!!
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