André Borschberg was selected as an Eagle for his visionary leadership and pioneering contributions to sustainable aviation. As co-founder, CEO, and pilot of the Solar Impulse project, Borschberg played a central role in achieving the first flight around the world powered entirely by solar energy—without a single drop of fuel.

Completed in 2016, the mission marked a historic breakthrough in both clean technology and aviation history. Over the course of the journey, Borschberg demonstrated the aircraft’s endurance and the viability of solar-powered flight across challenging environments. His non-stop solo flight from Japan to Hawaii—lasting 117 hours and 52 minutes—set the world record for the longest unrefueled solo flight and remains one of aviation’s most remarkable feats.

Borschberg is a former Swiss Air Force fighter pilot and a trained engineer with a background in business and innovation. Prior to Solar Impulse, he led several high-tech ventures focused on advanced technologies and entrepreneurship.

Today, he continues to push the boundaries of clean aviation as the founder and executive chairman of H55, a company developing certified electric propulsion and energy storage systems for aircraft. Under his leadership, H55 is helping shape the future of quiet, efficient, and zero-emission flight.