On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from Sion Airport in Switzerland, eco-explorer Raphaël Domjan piloted the HB-SXA aircraft to an altitude of 9,521 meters above the Valais Alps — the highest flight ever achieved by a manned electric and solar-powered plane. It’s higher than Solar Impulse record (9235 m).
This historic 5-hour-and-9-minute flight, powered entirely by solar energy and supported by thermal updrafts, marks a major step forward toward a more sustainable future. At cruising altitude, Domjan even crossed paths with a commercial airliner — a powerful symbol of what the decarbonised aviation of tomorrow might look like.
The official validation of the altitude is currently under review by the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale), in accordance with its altitude standards.
A moment of great pride and emotion for the entire SolarStratos team — fittingly celebrated with a well-deserved raclette!
