André Borschberg
André Borschberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 13, 1952 Zürich, Switzerland |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, aviator, explorer, professional speaker |
| Known for | Co-founder and CEO of Solar Impulse; executive chairman of H55; first manned solar-powered global circumnavigation |
André Borschberg (born 13 December 1952) is a Swiss entrepreneur, aviator, explorer, and professional speaker. He co-established and acted as CEO of the Solar Impulse initiative, achieving the milestone of the first manned solar-powered global circumnavigation in July 2016.
Additionally, he co-founded and is the executive chairman of H55, a company advancing electric propulsion systems for aviation, and participates as a member of the World Economic Forum Community of Experts.
Borschberg has earned numerous world records through his involvement with Solar Impulse, a project dedicated to creating and piloting long-distance manned solar-powered planes. On July 7, 2010, he completed the inaugural 24-hour solar-powered flight, setting new benchmarks for the longest manned solar flight and highest altitude attained by a solar aircraft. During the nonstop journey from Japan to Hawaii, he flew for 117 hours and 52 minutes, surpassing Steve Fossett’s 2006 record for the longest solo flight in any type of aircraft.
He holds 14 Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) world records, including achievements in free distance along a course, straight distance, and longest solo flight in a fixed-wing plane.
In recognition of his leadership and piloting during the Solar Impulse project, Borschberg was awarded the Mungo Park Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society in 2018, alongside Bertrand Piccard.
Early life and education
Born on December 13, 1952, in Zürich, Switzerland, André Borschberg earned master's degrees in mechanical engineering from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and in management science from the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also obtained professional qualifications in Financial and Business Management from HEC Lausanne.
Career
Borschberg initially trained as a jet pilot with the Swiss Air Force before moving into the business sector. He spent five years working as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. In 2002, he co-launched Innovative Silicon, a company focused on developing innovative DRAM microprocessor technologies.
Solar Impulse
Borschberg has held both management and engineering responsibilities within Solar Impulse and has served as one of its pilots.[1]
Solar Impulse 1 missions
On July 7, 2010, André Borschberg flew Solar Impulse continuously for 26 hours—the first solar-powered flight that spanned both day and night.
During its European campaign, Solar Impulse HB-SIA completed three international legs: from Payerne to Brussels (630 km), then Brussels to Paris–Le Bourget (395 km), followed by Paris-Le Bourget returning to Payerne (426 km).
In 2012, Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard alternated piloting duties on Solar Impulse’s initial intercontinental journey from Switzerland to Madrid, continuing onward to Morocco.
The aircraft undertook a two-month journey across the United States during summer 2013, flying from San Francisco to New York City, with multiple stopovers along the route.
Building on these earlier missions, Solar Impulse launched the world's first solar-powered global circumnavigation on March 9, 2015, refining operational procedures within international airspace and airports.
FAI World Records
Borschberg is credited with holding a minimum of eight world records recognized by the FAI through his work with Solar Impulse. These records encompass achievements in free distance, flight duration, maximum altitude, and altitude gain, all established over the course of three separate flights conducted in 2010, 2012, and 2013.
Solar Impulse 2 Expeditions
Between 2015 and 2016, Borschberg alongside Bertrand Piccard piloted Solar Impulse 2, accomplishing the pioneering solar-powered circumnavigation of the globe. Notably, during one of the 17 journey segments from June 28 to July 3, 2015, Borschberg completed a solo flight from Nagoya to Kalaeloa, Hawaii, lasting 4 days, 21 hours, and 52 minutes. This feat surpassed the previous longest solo flight record held by Steve Fosset.
Objectif Soleil Publication
In 2017, Borschberg and Piccard released Objectif Soleil, an autobiographical work that chronicles their experiences and insights gained throughout the Solar Impulse initiative.
H55 Company
At the beginning of 2017, Borschberg co-established H55, a Swiss technology start-up based in Sion. Originating as a spin-off from Solar Impulse, the enterprise specializes in designing and marketing electric propulsion systems tailored for aircraft manufacturers. The firm introduced its inaugural aircraft model, the Aerol, in 2017, followed by the release of the BRISTELL Energic in 2019.
See also
External links
- ↑ "The H55 Story". H55. Retrieved 2024-10-10.