Solar Impulse 2 at JFK

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Local Island Park photographer Joseph Abate was one of only two newspaper photographers at an incredible event, and he was excited to share his photos with our readers. 

The Solar Impulse 2 is the first solar-powered plane to attempt a flight around the world. On June 14, the pilots of the project, Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, offered a toast at a special event of thanks to one of its loyal sponsors, Moet Hennessy.  This special event was in Hanger 19 at John F. Kennedy airport.

In 2015 the Solar Impulse 2 completed the first ever Round-The-World Solar Flight, from Abu Dhabi to Hawaii, using only the power of the sun. It achieved the longest solo solar flight ever in aviation history. Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the two pilots and founders, will continue to fly around the world with no fuel in 2016 to promote the use of renewable energies and energy efficiency for a better quality of life. 

In the days ahead, after the Solar Impulse 2 is powered up by the sun at the airport, they will leave for the next leg of their flight to Europe.