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Testimonial from Maëlle Joseph, student (class of 2025) of the Advanced Master® IEM

Maëlle Joseph

Student (class of 2025) in the IEM Advanced Master's programme

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

22 May 2025

Testimony of Maëlle Joseph

IEM Advanced Master® student (class of 2025)

Identity card

Last name: Joseph
First Name: Maëlle

Age: 23

City and country of origin: Carcassonne, France
Year of your Advanced Master®: 2024-2025
Name of Advanced Master®: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management – IEM

Her career before ISAE-SUPAERO

What was your academic background before joining ISAE-SUPAERO?

I began my academic career at the IUT Mesures Physiques in Toulouse, then went on to study Materials Engineering at ENSIACET.

Did you already have professional experience before the Advanced Master®?

Yes, during my engineering studies, I did an apprenticeship at ATR as a Fleet Structure Support Engineer for 2 years.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO for your Advanced Master®?

ISAE-SUPAERO is a school of excellence where I was sure I would flourish both in the classroom and on campus. The range of courses is rich and I was sure I would find what I was missing.

How did you hear about our Advanced Master® programme?

I found out about this Advanced Master® on the ISAE-SUPAERO website and then thanks to Caroline Armange, who gave me all the guidance I needed to choose my course.

Her career at ISAE-SUPAERO

What specific skills or knowledge have you come to acquire in this AM?

I needed to broaden my mind beyond the technical aspects of engineering: I was looking to take courses in finance, management, negotiation and design thinking.

What subjects, projects, challenges or experiences have particularly impressed you during your training?

The lecturers, who are entrepreneurs, are fascinating and give us new perspectives from the start of the school year. The IEM “fil rouge” project is a group entrepreneurial adventure that runs throughout the year, and it’s a real challenge.

In your opinion, what are the main advantages of the AM that you have followed?

The involvement of professionals from the sector is undeniably the strength of the AM IEM. We forge links with them that go far beyond a teacher-student relationship. We also have access to a large network of alumni and exceptional facilities on campus that make the year even more memorable.

Describe an outstanding experience or project that you carried out during your AM.

The “fil rouge” project was a very rewarding human and entrepreneurial experience. For 6 months, we become real entrepreneurs, going through the ups and downs of developing an innovative solution to the problem we choose at the beginning of the year.

Her career plan

What are your career plans?

I discovered entrepreneurship during the AM and I’m now convinced that the rest of my professional life will be dedicated to creating projects, running them and taking them forward.

How will your Advanced Master® prepare you to achieve these goals?

I’ve gained a real understanding of how to set up a business and all the thought that goes into moving from an idea to sales.

Have you completed a work placement or assignment as part of your AM?

Yes, I’m currently incubating a start-up with my partner.

The creation of my start-up has followed the same path as the “fil rouge” project, the only difference being that there is no end date. I’m learning every day about the legal, financial and commercial aspects. It’s a real rollercoaster ride, and that’s what makes it exciting.

Her advice

What would you say to a future student who is hesitating about joining an ISAE-SUPAERO Advanced Master®?

If you’re looking to open your mind beyond scientific and technical subjects, the IEM Master’s degree is for you. You’ll learn how to put everything you already know to good use in a truly entrepreneurial approach. It’s the 180° turn you’re missing in your studies.

The IEM MS is the icing on the cake of my academic career.

If you had to sum up your experience in one word, three adjectives or one sentence?

Necessary. Challenging, unforgettable, rich in encounters.

The MS IEM was the 12 months of study that I'll never forget!

Testimonial from Harshavardhan Narakatla, student (class of 2025) of the AMS E&M Advanced Master®

Harshavardhan Narakatla

Student (class of 2025) in the AMS E&M Advanced Master®

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

22 May 2025

Testimony of Harshavardhan Narakatla

Student of the Advanced Master® TAS AMS E&M

Identity card

Last name: Narakatla
First name : Harshavardhan

Age: 25

Hometown and country: Pileru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Year of your Advanced Master®: 2024-2025
Name of Advanced Master® completed: AMS E&M

His career before ISAE-SUPAERO

What was your academic background before joining ISAE-SUPAERO?

Before joining ISAE-SUPAERO, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, India, in 2021, graduating with a CGPA of 8.9/10. During my undergraduate studies, I gained foundational knowledge in aircraft structures, propulsion, systems, and maintenance, and I participated in practical projects and internships that enriched my technical and analytical skills in the field of aviation.

Did you already have professional experience before the Advanced Master®?

Yes, I have three years of professional experience in the aerospace industry. I worked as a Proofreader and Technical Author at Sonovision – Ortec Group, where I was involved in developing and verifying Airbus technical documentation for the Single Aisle and XLR programs. My responsibilities included authoring and proofreading content for the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Trouble Shooting Manual (TSM), and Structural Repair Manual (SRM), ensuring compliance with Airbus standards and configuration management protocols. Additionally, I supported global operators through the Tech Request system and collaborated with design offices and technical data engineers. Prior to this role, I completed a certified NDT training focused on aerospace applications and also interned at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), gaining hands-on exposure to aircraft maintenance and overhaul operations.

How did you hear about our Advanced Master® programme?

I discovered the Advanced Master’s programmes at ISAE-SUPAERO through targeted research on top European aerospace institutions offering specialized training in maintenance and support engineering. I also received recommendations from alumni and industry professionals, and I explored the detailed programme information available on the official ISAE-SUPAERO website.

His career at ISAE-SUPAERO

What specific skills or knowledge have you come to acquire in this AM?

Through this Advanced Master’s programme, I aimed to acquire a deeper understanding of aircraft maintenance operations, predictive maintenance strategies, and the regulatory and airworthiness aspects of civil aviation. My goal was to strengthen my competencies in managing complex maintenance systems, developing support strategies, and aligning technical documentation with actual aircraft configurations. I also wanted to improve my ability to work within cross-functional teams, apply reliability analysis, and implement modern tools to optimise aircraft maintenance planning and execution.

What subjects, projects, challenges or experiences have particularly impressed you during your training?

The modules on “Maintenance Execution,” “Support and Service,” and “Health Management and Analysis” stood out for their practical relevance and real-world case studies. I particularly appreciated the challenge-based learning approach, where we tackled real maintenance scenarios, often under tight constraints, simulating industry conditions. The group project on optimizing a maintenance training process for a Part-147 organization was particularly impactful, as it allowed me to apply both lean management principles and digital tools like SharePoint and Power BI to streamline operations. Additionally, the exposure to guest lectures from industry professionals and site visits added immense value by connecting theoretical knowledge to practical application.

In your opinion, what are the main advantages of the AM that you have followed?

One of the main strengths of the Advanced Master’s programme at ISAE-SUPAERO is its strong industry orientation, especially through its close ties with leading aerospace companies like Airbus, ATR, and Safran. The curriculum is well-balanced between technical depth and managerial perspective, enabling graduates to take on both engineering and leadership roles in the maintenance and support domain. Another key advantage is the diverse and international student body, which fosters cross-cultural collaboration and broadens perspectives. The programme also emphasizes hands-on learning through projects, seminars, and a mandatory six-month internship, which significantly enhances employability and readiness for real-world challenges.

His career plan

What are your career plans?

My professional goal is to contribute to the global aviation industry-particularly in the areas of aircraft maintenance optimization, technical documentation, and support engineering. I aim to work with major aerospace OEMs, MROs, or regulatory-compliant training organizations where I can apply both my technical expertise and process improvement mindset. In the long term, I aspire to take on a leadership role, driving innovations in maintenance strategy, digital transformation of support systems, and sustainable aviation practices. I am also passionate about bringing this knowledge back to India, where the aviation sector is rapidly growing, and there is a strong need for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and airworthiness management.

How will your Advanced Master® prepare you to achieve these goals?

The Advanced Master’s programme at ISAE-SUPAERO is equipping me with a solid blend of technical knowledge and operational insight into the aeronautical maintenance and support ecosystem. Courses covering aircraft systems, maintenance execution, airworthiness, and health monitoring systems are directly aligned with the responsibilities I aim to take on. The programme’s emphasis on real-world case studies, teamwork, and exposure to industry experts has strengthened my decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills. Additionally, the upcoming six-month internship provides a critical platform to gain practical experience and build connections with key players in the industry, preparing me to successfully transition into roles that require both technical depth and strategic thinking.

His advice

What would you say to a future student who is hesitating about joining an ISAE-SUPAERO Advanced Master®?

If you’re passionate about aerospace and looking for a programme that combines academic excellence with strong industry connections, ISAE-SUPAERO is the right place. The Advanced Master offers a unique opportunity to deepen your technical knowledge, work on real-world challenges, and build a valuable professional network. It’s more than a degree-it’s a gateway to the European aerospace ecosystem and a transformative learning experience.

"At ISAE-SUPAERO, I learned not just how aircraft fly-but how to make aviation support systems fly smarter."

If you had to sum up your experience in one word, three adjectives or one sentence?

Challenging, rewarding, and career-defining.

Testimony from Lisa Wong, 2024 graduate of the TAS ASTRO Advanced Master® programme, SEEDS option

Lisa wong

Structural and thermal engineer

Testimonial Category :

Alumni

Date :

22 May 2025

Testimony of Lisa Wong

AM TAS ASTRO alumni class of 2024

Identity card

Last name: Wong
First name: Lisa
Title of Advanced Master® completed: TAS ASTRO, Space Systems Enginnering + SEEDS (Optional track: Space Exploration)
Graduation year: 2024
Position: Structural and Thermal Engineer
Company: Astroscale France
City: Toulouse
Country of residence: France

Her career before ISAE-SUPAERO

What was your academic background before joining ISAE-SUPAERO?

I graduated from Arts et Métiers after a preparatory course in MPSI and then PSI. My background was in industrial and mechanical engineering.

Why did you choose to pursue an Advanced Master® at ISAE-SUPAERO?

ISAE-SUPAERO was my goal from the moment I knew I wanted to work in this industry, largely because of its excellence in the sector and also because of its proximity to opportunities in the surrounding area. The Advanced Master® TAS ASTRO was an obvious choice because of its cross-disciplinary approach to working on space missions. I was also very quickly convinced by the choice of lecturers and the subjects covered, in particular the possibility of doing the Space Exploration option in collaboration with European universities.

Despite 6 months of Erasmus in Italy in space engineering and a work placement at Sogeclair Aerospace in R&D of space structures, I didn’t feel that my specialisation in space was deep enough. I wanted to go further in understanding the challenges of the sector, from a technical point of view, but also from other aspects. What could be better than being surrounded by other enthusiasts and learning from recognised experts in the historic city of the space industry?

Her experience at ISAE-SUPAERO

What lessons, projects or activities at the AM have impressed you the most?

In terms of teaching, I would say mission analysis and orbital mechanics, because it was very well taught, but also less expected teaching, such as human spaceflight engineering and space operations, which made the learning very concrete with the use of real examples of situations that the engineers had to deal with during real missions.

In terms of projects, it’s hard to choose. There was the bid management course project where we were 5 teams who had to respond to a call for tenders in 1 month. It was really challenging and formative, especially for working in industry.

Then there was the ITP project, where we had 6 months to come up with a preliminary design for a fleet of constellations. My team and I were responsible for designing the ‘space tug’ constellation to put the other constellations into orbit for the start of their mission, and to de-orbit them at the end of their mission. It was a very rewarding project, where the key was to get organised and communicate with your team as well as with the other teams in order to achieve a complex but sustainable and coherent system.

The SEEDS project stands out the most, which I will develop in another answer and which enabled me to work in a team of 30 students from the universities of Turin (PoliTo), Leicester and ISAE-SUPAERO. We started with a simple project title and ended up at the European Space Agency (ESA) technical centre 6 months later to present our work. The challenge was to organise ourselves, to take advantage of our teaching, experience and different cultures and approaches in order to move the project forward and create a shared ambition. The project enabled us to present our project to CNES and ESA and to be accompanied by experts from the Italian Space Agency, Thalès Alenia Space Italy and Space Park Leicester, as well as professors and doctoral students from the three partner universities.

How does the AM contribute to your technical and professional skills?

I would say that it gave me technical skills on more subjects, because we worked on many systems engineering professions, and that it greatly contributed to developing my professional skills, through courses on project management, bid management, financing and legal aspects of space projects, etc., but also through the presence of speakers from industry.

Did you take part in any applied projects, student challenges or industrial collaborations during your Advanced Master®?

Yes, I can mention the ITP project where we were supported by experts from Airbus Defense and Space for the project management part.

Did you carry out a work assignment or internship during your AM?

I was lucky enough to find an internship very quickly after my Advanced Master® at The Exploration Company, in their Munich offices and in the Procurement team. The Exploration Company is a start-up based in Munich, Bordeaux and Turin, which develops, manufactures and operates Nyx, a cargo spacecraft designed to meet the future needs of space stations and the lunar environment. The start-up was founded in June 2021 by Hélène Huby and seven colleagues, all former employees of ArianeGroup and Airbus, who wanted, through a European initiative, to fill the European gap in the space market for space cargo and crewed capsules to space stations.

To understand the context of my placement a little better, it took place during the assembly phase of the Mission Possible capsule, an in-orbit demonstration capsule that will take to the skies in June 2025, and the start of the initial development phases of Nyx.

My main task was to work as part of the purchasing team, which aims to buy and supply the specific products or services needed for the work of the teams and the projects to be carried out. We liaised mainly with the AIT (Assembly, Integration and Testing) engineers and with the design engineers to liaise with suppliers of parts and components, but also to be responsive in the event of non-compliance and technical problems.

Did you have any international experience as part of your AM?

Yes, I chose the ‘SEEDS’ option, which involves working on the system design of two space exploration missions.

This option was created through a collaboration between Politecnico di Torino, the University of Leicester and ISAE-Supaero. We were 30 students from the three universities working on these projects, supervised by professors and doctoral students on site and helped by industrialists in each city.

This project also enabled us to travel to the three countries with the team of students and benefit from local know-how and support.

The projects that year focused on the design of a manned Mars lander and the design of a commercial European space station, two fascinating subjects as much for their technical challenge as for the definition of their interests and non-technical feasibility (financial, political, etc.).

Her current career path

What is your current position? In which company or organisation do you work?

I’m a structural and thermal engineer at Astroscale France.

What business sector are you in today?

Space, more specifically the space segment, and even more specifically, in-orbit services.

How has your Advanced Master® contributed to your professional integration or career development?

It played a major role in increasing my credibility with the companies I was applying to for internships and my first job. I was able to get a great internship with a fast-growing start-up, which had a positive snowball effect for the rest of my career. It still helps me to understand the technical challenges of the company where I work.

What specific skills developed at ISAE-SUPAERO do you use the most today?

Project management skills and those developed during group projects. And, quite coherently, technical skills in thermal engineering, because that’s my job, as well as knowledge of standards and methods in the sector.

Has the Master's enabled you to achieve your professional or personal goals?

Yes, 100% so far. It has enabled me to work in a start-up that wants to revolutionise the space industry and that makes sense to me.

Her advice

What advice would you give to a future candidate for an ISAE-SUPAERO Advanced Master®?

You should choose a Master’s degree that you like (of course) but that is consistent with your career path, so that it builds on your experience and adds real value. I think there are enough options to ensure that there are some that are relevant in this sense.

In your opinion, what makes your ISAE-SUPAERO Advanced Master® so special?

The way in which the master’s programme is organised (courses, design offices, projects) and the careful attention paid by those in charge of the programme to adapting and improving it from year to year. There’s a real commitment to the training and career opportunities of each student, and that’s what makes the difference for this particular master’s programme.

"The TAS ASTRO Master has opened doors for me that I never imagined I would be able to open.

If you had to sum up your experience in one word, three adjectives or one sentence?

An immersive and decisive dive into the passion of the space sector.

“World Alumni Day”: Three questions for Aude Vignelles, 1991 graduate of ENSICA’s Aeronautical Engineering programme

Aude Vignelles

Director of Vignelles Space

Testimonial Category :

Alumni

Date :

12 May 2025

Testimony of Aude Vignelles

ENSICA alumni, class of 1991

Identity card

Full name: Aude VIGNELLES
Nationality: French (and Australian)
Country of residence: Australia
Position, company: Director, Vignelles Space Pty Ltd and Senior Advisor for Bryce Space Global
Sector: Space
Training at ISAE-SUPAERO: ENSICA Aeronautical Construction Engineering Diploma
Year of graduation: 1991

Can you tell us about your background?

I started my career at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands, where I was soon appointed Test Manager for the X-ray Multi-Mirror (XMM) mission, ESA’s largest scientific space programme at the time.

I then moved to London, where I successfully led the integration of the world’s first digital terrestrial broadcasting centre (ONdigital). I continued in this field in Australia, before becoming Vice-President of Technicolor, overseeing all programmes in the Asia-Pacific region.

Returning to space as Executive Director of NBN (National-Broadband-Network) Satellite Operations, I was then selected to become the first Chief Technology Officer of the Australian Space Agency, where I played a key role in developing the technical roadmaps for the civil space strategy, defining and managing the agency’s space programmes, and implementing national and international activities.

Today, I am Director of Vignelles Space, providing professional services and expert solutions to governments and space industries in all aspects of space programmes worldwide.

Why did you decide to pursue an international career?

I’ve always loved travelling, discovering other cultures and exploring new horizons. Very early on, I was struck by the fact that major space projects can often only be achieved through solid international cooperation. Seeing the first Ariane take off in December 1979 made me aware of this reality from an early age.

There are opportunities that you have to seize, like moving to London to follow my partner, but also daring to create and undertake: Moving to Australia was an adventure that he and I shared, and where we became the parents of three wonderful boys.

Going international teaches us so many things: A new way of approaching problems, richer solutions thanks to the diversity of perspectives, but also profound personal development.

What advice would you give to someone looking for an international career? Or one word that would define your career?

Be motivated, committed and passionate.

When you decide to move abroad, there’s a phase of wonder, but also enormous challenges. When I arrived in Australia, I was immediately seduced by the country, but professionally, I missed space terribly. There was no space agency at the time, so I helped set it up and became its first CTO – a dream job!

When you’re convinced you’re on the right track, when you have a clear vision and a deep passion, you have to test it out around you, refine it, perfect it and finally make it a reality. Working internationally requires resilience, adaptability and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. It’s a journey that can be demanding, but also incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.

Don't let obstacles put the brakes on your ambition. If you believe in your project, never give up!

Aude Vignelles Director, Vignelles Space Pty Ltd

Testimony from Valentin Balayn, 2015 graduate of the TAS AERO FTE Advanced Master®

Valentin Balayn

Lead Flight Test Engineer at the DGA Flight Test Centre in Cazaux

Testimonial Category :

Alumni

Date :

19 Mar 2025

Testimony of Valentin Balayn

Former student of the Advanced Master® TAS AERO FTE

Identity card

First name: Valentin Balayn
Degree: Aeronautical, Architecture and Structures Engineer, ESTACA graduate
Programme at ISAE-SUPAERO: Advanced Master® TAS AERO, Flight Test Engineering (FTE) option
Year of graduation: 2015
Position, company: Lead Flight Test Engineer at DGA Essais en Vol de Cazaux
Country of residence: France

What is your background?

After taking my baccalauréat S in the Lyon region, I enrolled at ESTACA (an aeronautical engineering school) as a post-baccalaureate student. After graduating, I continued my studies by enrolling in the Advanced Master® TAS AERO FTE at ISAE-SUPAERO.

Why did you join the Advanced Master® TAS AERO FTE?

I’ve always been attracted to the world of testing, so I decided to apply for the Advanced Master® TAS AERO, Flight Test Engineering (FTE) option, with the aim of discovering the world of testing from a theoretical point of view, but also from a practical point of view, thanks to the number of flights I made during the course.

What do you see as the strengths of this programme?

Being able to take to the skies to apply the theory we’ve learned on the ground is one of the very positive aspects of the Master. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than putting into practice the theoretical concepts covered during the year.

What’s more, thanks to the master’s degree, you get to see the whole chain (V cycle) from design to certification, via flight preparation, then production and finally data processing and writing the test report. One of the great assets of this Master’s programme is the diversity of the contributions made by people from industry in a wide range of fields.

Could you tell us more about the FTE major? How has it helped you in your career and in your current position?

Discovering how to prepare, carry out and analyse test flights, as well as learning certain test techniques, gave me my first taste of the world of flight testing. The global vision of the world of testing that the Master’s provides also helps me to gain credibility at job interviews.

What are your next career objectives?

For the last year and a half, I’ve been working as a LFTE (Lead Flight Test Engineer) at DGA Flight Tests in Cazaux, in the Embedded Weapons Systems department. I’m looking forward to continuing my varied activities, particularly on armed helicopters, because of my recent appointment to this post!

About the Advanced Master® TAS AERO FTE

The Advanced Master® in Aeronautical Engineering, accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles under no. 50, is a course in aeronautics that provides a broad knowledge of aerospace engineering and the aeronautical industry.

This aeronautics course develops an integrated approach to aircraft product design. It prepares participants to work on multidisciplinary aeronautical projects with a practical approach.

The FTE - Fligt Test Engineering option provides an introduction to flight test methods, but does not lead directly to an aircrew qualification. However, after a few years working for a manufacturer or government test centre, some of our graduates may be selected for training as experimental test pilots or flight test engineers.

ISAE SUPAERO ENSICA Alumni Association

ISAE SUPAERO ENSICA Alumni is much more than a network of graduates: it's a close-knit, committed and proactive community, driven by a spirit of mutual aid and sharing at the service of society.

Date :

24 Feb 2025

A Committed and Supportive Network

Created in 1911 by the first engineers to graduate from Sup’Aéro, the Amicale des anciens élèves de l’Institut supérieur de l’aéronautique et de l’espace, today known as ISAE-SUPAERO ENSICA Alumni, is an association recognised as being in the public interest.

With nearly 30,000 graduates from ISAE-SUPAERO and its founding schools (Sup’Aéro and ENSICA), it stands for its values of solidarity, conviviality, benevolence, and responsibility.

ISAE-SUPAERO ENSICA Alumni works passionately to bring together and animate the alumni network on both a personal and professional level. It relies on the commitment of its members to promote ISAE-SUPAERO and the aerospace sector on a national and international scale.

Nicolas Marson President of ISAE-SUPAERO ENSICA Alumni

Ambitious and Essential Missions

The association plays a key role in:

maintaining links between alumni by:
- managing and updating a rich and dynamic database;
- informing members of news from the network and the Institute; and
- providing support to fellow alumni in difficulty.

supporting alumni initiatives and projects by:
- supporting students and encouraging intergenerational interactions; and
- strengthening the cohesion between classes and thematic groups.

promoting the professional development of alumni by:
- offering services and resources adapted to each stage of their careers; and
- collaborate with the Institute and the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation to contribute to their influence and that of the aeronautics and space sector.

A Collective Dynamic Driven By Members

The Association thrives on the energy of its volunteers and the membership fees of its members!

Every contribution, whether in the form of a donation, volunteer work, or regular profile updates, strengthens the network and guarantees its effectiveness.

By joining this exceptional community, every student and graduate becomes a key player in the development and success of a unique network, both in France and internationally.

News from the Association

Association events

Your Support is Essential If We Are to Build a Stronger, More Recognised Network!

Membership fees are an essential resource for the Association, enabling it to fulfil its missions.

Learn more

Testimony of Joseph Risson, ingénieur 2024 alumni & co-founder of Viraj H2 From student to entrepreneur: that’s the path Joseph Risson, a 2024 graduate, has taken at ISAE-SUPAERO!

Date :

20 Jan 2025

Testimony of Florian Bonte, S2010 ISAE-SUPAERO alumni: creating opportunities through networking

Date :

15 Jan 2025

Testimonials

Date :

02 Sep 2024

Bertrand Joab-Cornu, co-founder of Wingly: “I already had the idea for a flight-sharing platform at ISAE-SUPAERO.”

Date :

14 Jun 2024

Meeting with Bertrand Joab-Cornu

You co-founded the start-up Wingly while you were still a student at ISAE-SUPAERO. Tell us about this entrepreneurial adventure...

I studied engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO, graduating in 2016. Passionate about aeronautics and entrepreneurship, I took a double-diploma with École Polytechnique in Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship. At the time, the collaborative economy was exploding with start-ups like BlaBlaCar and Airbnb. On the benches of ISAE-SUPAERO, I already had the idea of a co-piloting platform based on the same principle. At X I met my future partner, Emeric de Waziers, who had also had the idea on his own, and we launched Wingly in 2015. There was a niche to be filled and it worked really, really well!

Wingly is 10 years old and this year marks an important stage in its development. Can you tell us more about it?

We have been able to cope with the crises of recent years and the company is doing well. There are currently 25,000 private pilots registered on the platform, with more than 120,000 passengers in flight. We have also just passed the €40 million mark in sales volume. This year, we opened up to low-carbon aviation through partnerships with seven flying clubs that own an electric aircraft. We also closed a €3.5m fund-raising round with the aim of achieving profitability by 2025 and embarking on new projects. We also opened up our capital through a crowdfunding campaign on the Crowdcube platform, to get our community involved.

Wingly, the BlaBlaCar of the skies.
Europe’s leading flight-sharing platform, Wingly offers shared-cost flights between a private pilot and one or more passengers. 450,000 members are registered on this digital platform. The Paris-based company employs 20 people and offers its services in several European countries, including Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Austria and France.

What is the medium-term outlook?

Currently, use of the platform is focused on leisure flights: 90% of our passengers take local trips and the remaining 10% take day trips. But Wingly has a real role to play in regional mobility, where there is no alternative to the car, especially as companies developing low-carbon aviation are positioning themselves in this niche. We also hope to launch in other countries, notably the United States, if regulations change.

What advice would you give to ISAE-SUPAERO students who would like to become entrepreneurs during their studies as you did?

The first piece of advice I would give is to trust yourself and your idea! And then go out and test it, without wasting too much time working out the perfect business plan or a finished prototype.