VINCI Airports welcomes the first 100% electric aircraft to Lyon-Bron Airport

May 24, 2023

Strongly committed to reducing its airports' own CO2 emissions (-44% between 2018 and 2022 for its entire network), VINCI Airports has also set itself the objective of promoting the deployment of low-carbon fleets, particularly for light and general aviation.

The arrival at Lyon-Bron Airport of a 100% electric aircraft for the first time fully meets this objective, while combating noise pollution. This two-seater aircraft, Pipistrel Velis Electro, using the latest technologies in the aviation sector, does not emit CO2 and allows for an almost silent flight (60 decibels).

This new aircraft is available to flight schools as part of a multiparty partnership initiated by VINCI Airports at Lyon-Bron Airport with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region through its Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Aeronautics and Space Academy, the municipalities of Bron, Chassieu, Décines and Saint Priest bordering the airport, the French Aeronautics Federation (FFA) and the Lyon-Bron Interclub Center (CICLB).

It is one of the levers of the 2022-2027 Environmental Charter for Lyon-Bron Airport1, piloted by the airport operator and signed by all the airport's stakeholders (neighboring municipalities, the French government, flying clubs and local residents' associations), to promote more low-carbon and quieter aviation. Among other actions, the agreement encourages flying clubs and flight schools to gradually renew their fleets by 2024, which represents a major change in their operations and business model. It also limits the number of times students can fly around the runways in order to limit noise pollution for local residents.

Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and Chairman of VINCI Airports: "VINCI Airports is committed to promoting the deployment of low-carbon fleets for light and general aviation, like the electric aircraft at Lyon-Bron airport. This is a new illustration of our mobilization for the decarbonization of our activities, after the recent launch of a photovoltaic plant at Lyon-Saint Exupéry."

Stéphanie Pernod, 1st Vice-President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, responsible for 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 them to continue passing their aeronautical certificates while limiting noise pollution for local residents and enabling technological research to move forward, so that this type of aircraft can be offered to all flight schools in the future. The role of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region will always be to accompany the future with ambition, which is why we have launched the aeronautics and space academy, which will offer training and employment opportunities to all those who are committed to this field of excellence here."

Jérémie Bréaud, Mayor of Bron, Regional Councillor in charge of Major Events: "This is an incredible step forward, which is in line with history, and thanks to it, Lyon-Bron airport is joining the greatest in the aeronautical industry. We are proud to welcome this high-tech company that respects the region and its inhabitants.

Jean-Jacques Sellès, Mayor of Chassieu, Metropolitan Councillor: "The City of Chassieu has committed to an ambitious environmental policy. In this context, we have contributed, along with the airport, local residents' associations and the cities concerned, to the development and revision of the airport's environmental charter, one of the most successful in France. Today, a new step has been taken with the arrival of the first electric aircraft at Lyon-Bron airport. We supported this initiative because it helps reduce noise and environmental pollution and improves the quality of life of local residents, while ensuring the airport's development as part of its public service mission.

Gilles Gascon - Mayor of Saint-Priest, Metropolitan Councillor: "The arrival of this electric aircraft is a strong symbol of a new approach to light aviation for the years to come. It is also an excellent showcase for the policy that must be implemented to support the regional aeronautics industry while taking into consideration the quality of life of the region's inhabitants. It is also a showcase of the interest of our municipalities for 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 a positive ecology. We are at the dawn of a new era and public action must accompany this green revolution. Electric aviation means acting for the energy transition and the peace of mind of local residents without giving up this means of transport."

1To see the entire charter click here.

The first electric aircraft in the world to receive certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency, this two-seater Pipistrel Velis Electro emits no CO2 and allows for a near silent flight with only the noise of the propeller audible, i.e. 60 decibels, reducing the sound emitted by 8 to 10 decibels compared to last generation thermal aircraft (CALIPSO A rated).