On 10 June, start-up Blue Spirit Aero, founded by Olivier Savin, unveiled its full-scale hydrogen-powered aircraft for the first time—and took it to the skies in a public demonstration, proving that the prototype is fully operational.
The long-anticipated event had been in preparation for some time. It was Stéphane Le Foll, President of the Le Mans metropolitan area, who hinted at it last May. The secret was carefully kept until the big reveal. Held just across from the iconic racetrack, at Le Mans Airport, the presentation took place this afternoon during a major press conference attended by Le Mans Mayor Dominique Le Mèner, Sarthe Department President Pierre Fillon, Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) President Pierre Fillon, and EDEIS President Martin Meyrier.
Linking aviation’s past with its hydrogen-powered future
To symbolise the connection between Le Mans’ rich heritage and its ambitions for a cleaner future, a 1912 Léon Bollée Torpédo Type G vintage car and a replica of the Wright brothers’ Flyer (which flew between August 1908 and January 1909 from a nearby military camp) were showcased alongside the H24 EVO hydrogen racing car. A hydrogen-powered bicycle from Pragma Industries was also on display.
To the iconic sound of Thus Spoke Zarathustra—the traditional anthem of the 24 Hours of Le Mans—the hangar doors opened to reveal the Dragonfly aircraft, specially painted in “Blue Spirit of Le Mans” livery as a nod to local investors. Partner logos were proudly displayed on the aircraft’s tail, including Ballard, the supplier of the fuel cells. The technology integrates electric motors, fuel cells, and hydrogen tanks into streamlined pods mounted on the wings.
Flown by Axel Valat (with over 19,000 flight hours), the aircraft was started up and taxied on the runway at Le Mans Airport. It was then refuelled at an Atawey mobile hydrogen station, powered by Lhyfe—a landmark moment for hydrogen aviation. You can watch the video of this historic demonstration.
Founder Olivier Savin, who plans to pilot the aircraft himself in the coming months, will be at the Paris Air Show next week. Meanwhile, Blue Spirit Aero is now firmly integrated into the growing hydrogen ecosystem in Le Mans. Two Dragonfly models are currently on display in the Hydrogen Village at the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit.
Other project partners include Aérocomposites Saintonge, Daher, Dassault Systèmes, Soben and Thales.
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