Solar Impulse 2 flying to the Lehigh Valley

May 23rd, 2016 | Airport News

Around the World Journey includes a stop at Lehigh Valley International Airport on May 25

Allentown, PA – The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority is excited to announce the impending arrival of Solar Impulse 2 – powered entirely by solar panels attempting to become the first airplane to fly around the world without using fuel.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our region and community to be a part of aviation history,” said Charles Everett, executive director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

Solar Impulse 2 is expected to land at Lehigh Valley International Airport Tuesday on May 25 in the evening. There is no timetable on the duration of the stay or if any public events are scheduled.

“We have constructed a temporary hangar and continue to work with the Solar Impulse team to fulfill the needs of their mission,” said Everett.

The aircraft requires near-perfect conditions to fly. Its four electric engines are powered by more than 17,000 solar cells built into its lightweight, super-strong carbon fiber wings.

The pioneers of this journey are Bertrand Piccard, Solar Impulse initiator, chairman and pilot, who had the vision to fly around the world without fuel, and Andre Borschberg, co-founder, CEO and also pilot, who led the team in designing and constructing the solar airplane.

In March 2015, Solar Impulse began its solar journey from Abu Dhabi and has traveled to Oman, India, Myanmar, China and Japan, Hawaii and California. It is now mid-way across the United States, heading to New York to position for the crossing of the Atlantic and is due to arrive back in Abu Dhabi by late July.

Lehigh Valley International Airport is conveniently located near Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, Pennsylvania. Allegiant Air, American, Delta and United have 10 nonstop destinations to both leisure destinations and major airline hubs with connections to the world. LVIA’s nonstop destinations include: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach (seasonal), Newark, Orlando, Punta Gorda and Tampa Bay. For more information on LNAA, visit www.flyabe.com or www.facebook.com/flylvia.