VINCI Airports welcomes the first 100% electric aircraft at Lyon-Bron Airport
• A 100% electric aircraft that reduces CO2 emissions and noise pollution, available to flight schools at Bron Airport.
• A collaborative initiative stemming from the airport’s Environmental Charter, initiating the evolution of the general aviation fleet.
• A new demonstration of VINCI Airports' environmental policy aimed at promoting the decarbonization of air transport, both within airport activities and beyond.
Strongly committed to reducing the CO2 emissions of its airports (-44% across its network between 2018 and 2022), VINCI Airports has also set the goal of promoting the deployment of decarbonized fleets, particularly for light and general aviation.
The arrival of the first 100% electric aircraft at Lyon-Bron Airport fully meets this objective, while also combating noise pollution. This two-seater aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, utilizing the latest technologies in the aviation sector, emits no CO2 and allows for nearly silent flight (60 decibels).
This new aircraft is made available to flight schools as part of a multi-party partnership initiated by VINCI Airports at Lyon-Bron Airport with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region through its Aeronautics and Space Academy, the neighboring municipalities of Bron, Chassieu, Décines, and Saint Priest, the French Aeronautical Federation (FFA), and the Lyon-Bron Interclub Center (CICLB).
It is one of the action levers of Lyon-Bron Airport’s 2022-2027 Environmental Charter, led by the airport manager and signed by all airport stakeholders (neighboring municipalities, the state, aeroclubs, and resident associations) to promote a more decarbonized and quieter aviation. Among other actions, this charter specifically encourages aeroclubs and flight schools to gradually renew their fleets by 2024, representing a major shift in their operations and economic models. It also significantly restricts the hours of training circuit flights to limit noise disturbances for residents.
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports : “VINCI Airports is committed to promoting the deployment of decarbonized fleets for light and general aviation, exemplified by the electric aircraft at Lyon-Bron Airport. This is a new illustration of our commitment to decarbonizing our activities, following the recent launch of a solar power plant at Lyon-Saint Exupéry.”
Stéphanie Pernod, First Vice-President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, delegated to the economy, relocation, regional and digital preference, and President of the Aeronautics and Space Academy of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region : “Our Region is delighted with the arrival of this first electric aircraft. Intended for future pilots in training, it will enable the continuation of aeronautical certifications while limiting noise pollution for residents and advancing technological research to eventually offer this type of aircraft to all flight schools. The role of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region is always to support the future with ambition, which is why we launched the Aeronautics and Space Academy to offer those entering this field of excellence training and employment opportunities locally.”
Jérémie Bréaud, Mayor of Bron, Regional Councilor delegated to Major Events : “An incredible advancement that aligns with the course of history, allowing Lyon-Bron Airport to join the ranks of the greatest in aviation. It is a pride to welcome this high technology respectful of the territory and its inhabitants.”
Jean-Jacques Sellès, Mayor of Chassieu, Metropolitan Councilor : “The City of Chassieu has embarked on an ambitious environmental policy. Within this framework, we have contributed, along with the airport, resident associations, and concerned municipalities, to the development and revision of the airport’s environmental charter, one of the most comprehensive in France. Today, a new step is taken with the arrival of this first electric aircraft at Lyon-Bron Airport. An initiative we have supported, as it contributes to reducing noise and environmental pollution while improving the quality of life for residents, all while ensuring the airport's development within its public service mission.”
Gilles Gascon, Mayor of Saint-Priest, Metropolitan Councilor : “The arrival of this electric aircraft is a strong symbol of a new way of approaching light aviation for the coming years. It is also an excellent showcase of the policy that should be implemented to support the regional aviation sector while considering the quality of life of local residents. It is also a demonstration of our municipalities' interest in innovation, new technologies, and the environment.”
Laurence Fautra, Mayor of Décines-Charpieu, Vice-President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region : “In Décines-Charpieu, we believe in positive ecology. We are on the verge of a new era, and public action must accompany this green revolution. Electric aviation is a step towards energy transition and the tranquility of residents without renouncing this means of transport.”
Information on the Aircraft : Pipistrel Velis Electro Two-Seater The world's first electric aircraft to receive certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, this Pipistrel Velis Electro two-seater emits no CO2 and allows for nearly silent flight with only the propeller noise audible, at 60 decibels, reducing noise by 8 to 10 decibels compared to the latest generation thermal aircraft (classified CALIPSO A).
About Lyon Airport
Lyon Airport oversees the operation of Lyon–Saint Exupéry for commercial aviation and Lyon–Bron, the 3rd largest business aviation airport in France. As the leading airport in the VINCI Airports network in France with nearly 9 million passengers in 2022, Lyon-Saint Exupéry offers 120 direct destinations in 2023 and is connected to major international hubs. It is connected to the city center in 30 minutes by the Rhônexpress tram-train. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, a center of excellence for innovation within VINCI Airports, offers modern infrastructures and an innovation strategy focused on high-quality passenger experience and operational excellence for airlines. Certified at ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) Level 4+, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is developing with full control of its environmental impact. www.lyonaeroports.com
About VINCI Airports
As the world’s leading private airport operator, VINCI Airports manages more than 65 airports in 12 countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Through its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds, and operates airports, bringing its investment capacity and know-how in optimizing operational performance, modernizing infrastructures, and driving their environmental transition. VINCI Airports was the first airport operator to commit to an international environmental strategy in 2016, aiming for net-zero emissions across its network by 2050.
