Login
 
MENU

First electric flight lands at London Gatwick, as part of VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour to promote innovation in sustainable air travel

The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick (9 July) took place as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour.

  • Nine airports in the Vinci airport network are participating in the tour which started in Lyon on 1 July
  • The tour will be flown by a Pipistrel Velis Elektro, the first certified electric plane
  • Tour coincides with the delivery of 47 new electric vehicles at London Gatwick, as part a commitment to transition the airport’s vehicle fleet to fully electric  

 

The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick (9 July) took place as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour. 

 

The Elektro Tour is taking place over 17 days with the Pipistrel Velis Electro flying between VINCI airports in France and London Gatwick to showcase innovation in electric and decarbonised aviation. 

 

The 50-flight leg tour, an early-stage proof of concept, coincides with the delivery of 47 new electric vehicles at London Gatwick, including airside operations and engineering cars. This is part of a programme to upgrade the airport’s entire 300-strong vehicle fleet to fully electric by 2030 to support a broader £250m decarbonisation programme to achieve net zero for its own emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030.

 

The airport recently invested £14m in 14 electric tram buses to transport passengers between the terminals and long-stay car parks, plus associated charging infrastructure. Due to be running by early 2026, the switch will save 17.7 tCO2e in carbon emissions per year.*

 

Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, London Gatwick said:“We’re pleased to welcome the VINCI Airport’s Elektro Tour team to the airport, this might just be the smallest aircraft to ever land at London Gatwick! 

 

“We’re proud to be playing our part in supporting wider efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector. Our vision is to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, and as we grow, we must do it sustainably. Our transition to an electric vehicle fleet is just one example of our Decade of Change sustainability strategy in action.”

 

Read the full press release

Airport / Airline Services

news

Related news

When resources are stretched, relationships matter more than ever. This interactive session explores how to build operational resilience through smart prioritisation, collaboration, and trust — even when budgets are tight.
• Passengers no longer need to remove laptops and liquids from bags at London Gatwick security • The airport gears up for 900 flights a day during peak August weekends • Newly refurbished South Terminal lounge offers more seating, quiet zones and improved facilities
LGW are seeking local independent and small or medium-sized enterprises, to register their interest to participate in an exciting tender opportunity at London Gatwick Airport.
London Gatwick has further expanded its African network with the launch of Kenya Airways’ new direct service to Nairobi.
A new economic powerhouse – the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone (AEZ) – launched today at UKREiiF - the UK’s premier real estate, investment and infrastructure forum in Leeds – to help showcase the region and its strengths to investors and developers from around the globe.
London Gatwick has expanded its connectivity across Africa with the launch of Uganda Airlines’ new service to Entebbe – the only direct route between the UK and Uganda.
A high-profile delegation from the Gatwick Region will return to the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May 2025. This marks the first time the delegation will attend under the new 'Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone' umbrella, following plans to develop an AEZ for the region were unveiled in November 2024.
Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, London Gatwick said: “We welcome today’s announcement that the Secretary of State for Transport is minded to approve our Northern Runway plans and has outlined a clear pathway to full approval later in the year.
If you're looking to integrate sustainable energy solutions into your energy management plan, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer a great opportunity to drive decarbonisation without the need for significant upfront capital investment in infrastructure. However, securing these long-term contracts requires expertise and careful handling.
At JLC Group we cover a huge range of works, more recently, with an exciting project at a bustling UK airport. The installation of an Alligator cable carrier is a prime example of the innovative solutions that we can provide. This product is not only designed and manufactured in-house, but it also offers a multitude of advantages that streamline airport operations.
Sussex community groups were jumping for joy this week as London Gatwick announced the recipients of £30,000 from the second round of the London Gatwick Foundation Fund of 2024, across Mid Sussex, Crawley and Wealden.
Celebrate Christmas with us at The Europa Hotel and Spa. Explore our range of events this December.
London Gatwick has developed an overarching Supply Chain Strategy to align future frameworks to the airport’s Capital Investment Programme. The new Construction Frameworks will deliver improved facilities and services for our passengers and airline customers over the next 6 years, and will include construction works, various professional services including design services, and surveys
Local charities and support organisations throughout Sussex are celebrating today as the Gatwick Airport Community Trust announces the beneficiaries of its funding programme throughout the region.
We are delighted that @Marc Buxey has joined the team at the Arora Group, taking on the role of Cluster Director of Sales and Events, overseeing the Gatwick area, which include Hilton London Gatwick Hotel and Sofitel London Gatwick Hotel.   Marc brings deep knowledge of hospitality and invaluable sales experience having spent 25 years working with brands such as Hilton, Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza, De Vere, The Venues Collection, and The Relais Retreats, among others.   Kara Monteiro, Cluster General Manager commented: “We are delighted to have Marc join the team and truly value his experience, enthusiasm and drive. We have fantastic and up-to-date meetings and events facilities that we are immensely proud of. Having Marc dedicated to building strong connections in the area will certainly be beneficial for the hotels, and for local businesses in need for quality space to gather."
See all news

What's next?

Call usAbout usMembershipMembers
GDBA 2024 image

This site uses cookies.

Some of these cookies are essential, while others help us to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more detailed information on the cookies we use, please check our Cookie Policy

Select preferencesReject optionalAccept all

Cookie preferences

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Our Cookie Policy explains in detail how and why we use cookies. To take full advantage of our website, we recommend that you click on "Accept all". You can change these settings at any time via the button "Update your cookie preferences" in our Cookie Policy.

Necessary cookies (required)

Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.

Submit preferencesAccept all