First electric aircraft touches down at London Gatwick

A Pipistrel Velis Electro has landed at London Gatwick, becoming the first electric aircraft to do so.

The visit took place as part of the Vinci Airports Network Elektro Tour on July 9.

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.

READ: Vueling marks 15 million Gatwick passengers

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.

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 is projected to 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!”