Andre & Bertrand in China

Wednesday 17th December 2014

The first Round-The-World Solar Flight with Solar Impulse designates China as a key stop along the way. With two landings planned in China and a partnership with Sina, the pilots presented in Beijing their intention with Solar Impulse, a single-seater solar aircraft with a gigantic wingspan, designed to complete the challenge in 2015.

The Solar Impulse Round-The-World-Flight is a unique mission showing how clean technologies and renewable energies can accomplish the impossible. It aims to inspire people across all nations to unite behind one common goal: the commitment to a more sustainable future.

“Solar Impulse was not built to carry passengers but to carry messages. We want to demonstrate the importance of innovation and pioneering spirit, to encourage people to question their old certitudes and habits. The world needs to implement new ways of improving the quality of human life. Clean technologies and renewable forms of energy are part of the solution, as they can simultaneously protect the environment and create jobs and profit for the industry.” Bertrand Piccard

Being an idea born in Switzerland, Solar Impulse creates an opportunity to deepen ties between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China, which will celebrate the 65th anniversary of their bilateral relations in 2015.

With innovation and clean technology firmly rooted at the heart of its economic development strategy, it is no coincidence that China is one of the key partners working hand in hand with Solar Impulse for the success of this Round-The-World Solar Flight.

Furthermore, Solar Impulse is excited to announce its partnership with Sina, one of the top media companies in China.

“We believe that science and technology play a fundamental role for achieving the Chinese dream. Solar Impulse is a powerful symbol for change and as a leading online portal in China we hope to help inspire particularly our younger generation about what innovation and a pioneering spirit can make possible. Sina will commit considerable resources to help spread Solar Impulse’s message across a wide range of social media and digital platforms” says Deputy Editor in Chief, Ms. Zhao Tian from Sina.

And André Borschberg to continue: "By joining forces, Sina and Solar Impulse are given the opportunity to bring inspiration to millions of people with the scientific exploration of the Round the World Solar Flight. Equally, I am especially thankful to the Chinese government enthusiasm to help bring solar impulse to China in order to demonstrate together the potential of clean technologies.”