Breitling, the Swiss luxury watchmaker renowned for its pioneering role in aviation, is delighted to announce its partnership with Climate Impulse, the latest venture spearheaded by Swiss explorer and environmental advocate Bertrand Piccard. This collaboration reaffirms Breitling’s enduring support for Piccard, a longstanding brand ambassador, as he embarks on the groundbreaking Climate Impulse project: the world’s first nonstop around-the-world flight powered by green hydrogen. Anticipated to span nine days, this remarkable journey is designed to ignite global action on climate change.
Bertrand Piccard, an intrepid explorer and champion of clean technologies, shares a storied history with Breitling, having received the brand’s backing during the Breitling Orbiter missions—a series of groundbreaking expeditions culminating in Piccard’s historic nonstop round-the-world balloon flight in 1999. Now, Breitling proudly stands beside Piccard once again as the Official Partner for his upcoming historic endeavor scheduled for 2028: the first nonstop round-the-world flight with a hydrogen-powered airplane, entirely emission-free.
Breitling’s rich aviation heritage dates back to the 1930s, when its Huit Aviation division pioneered precision cockpit instruments and chronographs for early aviators. Evolving alongside the aviation industry, Breitling became synonymous with excellence as “the official supplier to world aviation,” notably with its iconic Navitimer chronograph. Today, Breitling’s Professional line of digital-analog aviation watches continues to serve pilots in extreme conditions—conditions that Piccard and his team will undoubtedly encounter during their pioneering voyage.
Commenting on the Climate Impulse mission, Breitling CEO Georges Kern remarked, “Breitling has always been at the forefront of aviation, and our partnership with Climate Impulse represents the next phase of this commitment. By supporting Bertrand Piccard and his team, we are championing the future of sustainable aviation.”
Bertrand Piccard, whose remarkable achievements also include the first round-the-world solar-powered flight with Solar Impulse in 2016, stressed the importance of reframing the narrative around climate action: “We must shift the discourse on ecology from sacrifice and fear to excitement and hope. Realistic solutions can unite people, from citizens and environmental activists to political and business leaders.”
Joining Piccard on this historic journey is Raphaël Dinelli, an accomplished sailor, pilot, and composite engineer. Dinelli brings his expertise in renewable energies and eco-innovations to the Climate Impulse project, overseeing the construction of the revolutionary airplane through his company, 49Sud.
The Climate Impulse project aims to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen-powered flights as a sustainable alternative for future aviation while revolutionizing the heavy mobility sector. Beyond technological innovation, Climate Impulse seeks to convey a powerful message: that modernizing and decarbonizing our world is not only feasible but imperative. With a shared vision of innovation and collaboration, Piccard, Dinelli, their teams, and Breitling are poised to make history once again, inspiring a new era of environmental stewardship.
Climate Impulse Flight Timeline:
- 2024 – 2026: Construction of the airplane
- 2026 – 2027: Test Flights
- 2028: First nonstop round-the-world flight
For further information on the world’s first flight around the globe with a green hydrogen-powered airplane, please visit Climate Impulse’s website.