The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick airport, did so yesterday (9 July) as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour.

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

The 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.

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!” He went on to highlight Gatwick’s part in decarbonising the aviation sector.

• London Gatwick has used 100% renewable electricity to run the airport since 2013.
• It is Europe’s first airport with a GRIDSERVE electric charging forecourt – with 30 public charging points
• Its runway uses 100% energy-saving LED lights
• Aircraft can plug into the mains at each gate, therefore do not need to keep the engines running
  and…
• During the airport’s transition to EVs, all diesel vehicles are fuelled by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, reducing future fleet emissions by up to 90%

* The Velis Electro is the world’s first electric powered airplane to receive a Type Certificate (EASA.A.573 TCDS) in more than 30 countries (including from the CAA in the UK). The two-seater can be operated commercially and is approved for pilot training as well as other operations.