Solar Impulse 2 makes historic landing in Abu Dhabi

Final flight of Solar Impulse 2: As it happened

9.12am
It has been an eventful morning at Al Bateen Executive Airport. History has been made here in Abu Dhabi today. The message from the entire team is there is no limit to the spirit of innovation and human endurance can achieve the impossible.

9.07am
We asked pilot Bertrand Piccard whether he was not tired after flying the plane all the way from Cairo.

His answer: Noooo, you can’t be tired on a day like this.

Piccard said he is very emotional about his journey coming to an end. He can’t believe he will not be flying the plane anymore.

8.30am
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar: “The pilots have captured world’s attention and delivered the message for a sustainable future. Today Si2 has proven that they could make the impossible possible and innovation has no limits.”

For Masdar, it is a great source of pride and inspiration. As the leader of developing renewable energy locally, regionally, and globally, we are committed to take this (legacy) forward.

8.15am
Prince Albert of Monaco: “The spouses of the pilots have also played a role with their support to their husbands during this adventurous project. The incredible message given by them will transform clean energy industry.”

He also shared a famous quote in appreciation of the pilots: “For the good future, you must not only dream but you enable it also.”

8.00am
Doris Leuthard, Vice-President of Switzerland: “Si2 has inspired many people. It says that there is a room for optimism (about future). Research by many Swiss companies and institutions have contributed to the success of this project. This will inspire many companies and youngsters to do more research (in this sector), which may facilitate technology transfer.”

7.38am
A 5 minute break is declared as the team prepare to take questions from the audience.

7.35am
Bertrand: “Why don’t we dream more? Why don’t we try more? When you see the results today, it’s because our team dreamed. A lot is starting today. A lot is possible because we have dared to fail, when you dare to fail you can succeed.”

7.29am

Pilot Bertrand Piccard can barely hold back his tears as he speaks. “When you see the state of the world today it is a crime to not try and make the world a better place,” he said.

7.22am

Room erupts with applause after a short video of the pilot’s journey is shown.
Both pilots are in tears and emotional as they get up to address the audience, after their warm welcome.

Pilots on the historic journey (video):

6.58am

Prince Albert of Monaco: “Glad to be back in Abu Dhabi. This is not the end of the journey, this is just the beginning for clean energy. This is a historic day for aviation and clean energy. It is up to us and future generations to carry this forward.”

6.48am

The press conference begins. The pilots receive a standing ovation and loud cheers as they walk to the stage.

6.33am

The pilots have entered the press conference room and are getting ready to take their seats and answer questions. But it is a long journey to the top table as everyone in the room wants to shake their hands.

5.50am

Doris Leuthard, Vice-President of Switzerland, Prince Albert of Monaco, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard expected to address the media soon.

5.07am

The plane is being moved to the hanger where we expect to hear from the pilots and the Masdar team.

4.48am

Prince Albert of Monaco joins Piccard and Borschberg at the platform near the cockpit.

Borschberg also welcomed the Vice President of Switzerland also to the dais. “Solar Impulse was born in Switzerland,” Borschberg said.

Piccard welcomed Sultan Al Jaber again to the dais. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment also joins the dignitaries.

4.43am

Solar Impulse team celebrates the achievement.

Piccard and Borschberg are posing for a photograph with their team members. A team of 120-people was involved in the global flight. While around 60 people accompanied the plane, the rest of the team controlled the project from Mission Control Centre in Monaco.

4.39am

Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar joined Piccard and Andrew at the elevated platform positioned close to aircraft’s door. The UAE National anthem was played.

4.37am

Piccard addresses the gathering from the aircraft door. “Salam Alaikkum..good morning Abu Dhabi. Thank you for your welcome. I have been waiting for this moment for past 15 years. We have flown 40,000 kilometres without a drop of fuel. Now it is your turn to take it forward.”

4.34am

“I have waited for this moment for 15 years,” pilot Bertrand Piccard.

4.35am

Celebrations have started. The Si2 is being moved close to airport, accompanied by the band and a big UAE national flag spread and carried by Emirati men.

Loud applause is heard from the crowd as Bertrand Piccard coming out of the cockpit. Andre Borchberg went up and opened the door and accompanied him to the ground.

4.30am
As usual two cyclists whose bikes were connected to Si2 helped landing the aircraft. The cyclists on both sides of Si2 help balance the aircraft during the landing.

4.15am

“Now we have boarded the bus to go back to the tent.” Piccard and Borschberg will address the press conference at 5.45am

4.12am
A warning from a Solar Impulse staff worked. “If you don’t move back and board the bus, you will miss the bus (and will be left behind on the runway).

4.11am

Officials had a tough time in controlling the excited media men and visors who rushed towards the Si2. No one was allowed to go nearby the aircraft, reports Binsal Abdul Kader.

4.05am

Solar Impulse 2 makes historic landing in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first plane to circle the globe without using any fuel. All are running towards si2 to welcome Piccard.