Swiss solar pioneer aims to circle globe in 9 days with hydrogen-powered plane

By Timo Kirez

GENEVA (AA) - A Swiss psychiatrist and solar pioneer is planning a nine-day trip around the world in a hydrogen-powered plane in 2028.

Bertrand Piccard made the announcement Wednesday in an interview with Swiss media company Tamedia.

The 65-year-old Swiss national became famous in 2016 when he flew around the world in stages in a solar-powered plane, the Solar Impulse II.

He was also the first to circle the globe non-stop in 1999 in a balloon on his third attempt.

According to Piccard, work on the new project with the hydrogen-powered aircraft has already been underway for three years.

"It costs around 45 million Swiss francs (over $51.4 million) to build the aircraft and 15 million Swiss francs ($17 million) to operate it," he said.

According to Piccard, the planned flight is also about sending a political message.

"I'm fed up with all the pessimism and inaction regarding environmental protection. I want to show all the people who see no future that there is hope and that we can act. The best way to do this is with a spectacular project," he said.

He said environmental protection only becomes a reality when perceived as economical and exciting.

"Although the solutions are there, they are not being used enough," Piccard told Tamedia.

He explained that his wife had advised him against the planned flight, as he would be 70 years old in 2028.

"I said yes, but I will be old enough to give hope to the elderly," he noted.