They will be remembered as pioneers, the team behind Solar Impulse 2. The first to complete a round-the-world journey in an aircraft powered exclusively by solar energy. And it will be the individual records set by the two founders and pilots that will go down in history.

Such as the latest leg, the 15th, completed with the landing in Seville at 7:38 (Italian time), after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. A personal record too for Bertrand Piccard, who stopped the clock at 71 hours and 8 minutes of flight. Without a single stop. Without a single drop of fuel.

Also on hand to welcome Solar Impulse 2 on Spanish soil was the Patrulla Águila, the aerobatic display team of the Spanish air force, which escorted the aircraft during its landing at Seville airport. A breathtaking flight, which allowed the pilot to look down from above at the vastness of the ocean, encountering oil tankers, islands, whales and icebergs.

Bertrand PICCARD ✓ @bertrandpiccard

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Spectacular #selfie moment over the #AtlanticOcean. Share it if you think the #futureisclean

♥ 1341💬 51 23 giu 2016 · Apri su X →

Why the Solar Impulse 2 journey matters so much

"André and the team have created more than a revolutionary aircraft; they have made my vision of the future of energy a reality," declared Bertrand Piccard, a few hours before the flight. "Lindbergh's transatlantic flight marked a new era in the world of aviation and contributed to the progress of air travel on a large scale. Solar Impulse's goal is to encourage the development of clean technologies around the world. If an aircraft can fly day and night without fuel, then everyone can use these efficient solutions in their daily lives."

An achievement that not only demonstrates that the technology is ready and working today, but that has succeeded in turning the spotlight on renewables and a low-emissions future. Like all the epoch-making turning points in human history, this one too has had its own ambassador. Who today landed successfully in Seville.