Orange becomes the official partner of Climate Impulse for the first non-stop, emission-free flight around the world

France- November 19, 2025 — Climate Impulse, the pioneering project for sustainable aviation led by Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and composite engineer Raphaël Dinelli aiming to achieve the first zero emissions round-the-world flight in a green hydrogen-powered airplane, is proud to announce its official partnership with Orange. As a European leader in telecommunications, the group will play a key role in mapping out and securing an optimal exploration route.

Thanks to its cutting-edge research, connectivity capabilities and advanced AI, Orange will help define the safest and most efficient routes for Climate Impulse, thereby affirming its role as a leader in pioneering solutions.

“This first non-stop, zero-emission flight around the world is a tremendous opportunity for Orange. Once the hydrogen-powered aircraft is operational, the challenge will be to find the best flight route. That's where our researchers come in. Thanks to AI, our unique digital twin solutions, powered by data from Climate Impulse and its partners, can guide explorers on their journey.’

The other challenge is to avoid weighing down the aircraft and to distribute the optimal data and calculations so that the cockpit is always informed of the best possible options from the mission control centre. Our expertise in connectivity and cybersecurity will be critical to maintaining this link in the best possible conditions at all times and in all places.

Orange will thus have the opportunity to test other research results, but we are not going to reveal everything today: our joint work also has some surprises in store, as all research work does."  added Lyse Brillouet, Chief Research Officer, Orange.

“A world first like Climate Impulse must of course succeed in its flight mission, but also in spreading its message of clean solutions for a better quality of life. Orange will contribute to both. By providing advanced routing simulations, data management, and connectivity tools, Orange’s research teams will chart the safest route around the globe and bring this adventure into every home — in the spirit of innovation, exploration, and sustainability,” said Bertrand Piccard, Chairman of Climate Impulse.

Orange is renowned for supporting scientific and technological challenges during extraordinary events, particularly sporting events such as Tour de France and Jules Verne Trophy. This project is an opportunity to operate a ‘sky lab’ under extreme and unprecedented conditions.

Orange researchers will work with the Climate Impulse teams to define and secure the best route.

Orange will also play a key role in securing telecommunications and will implement its post-quantum cryptography (PQC) technologies to protect exchanges between the aircraft and the ground.

Inspiring the public through technology

This inspiring partnership also aims to engage the public, notably through an interactive app that allows users to follow the mission in real time, live broadcasts and exclusive interviews.

Beyond demonstrating the potential of green hydrogen-powered flights as a sustainable alternative for future aviation, Climate Impulse aims to revolutionise the heavy mobility sector. Sending a strong message: modernising and decarbonising our world is possible.

It is therefore with a shared vision of innovation and cooperation that the Climate Impulse and Orange teams are delighted to announce this unique partnership.