In the dynamic realm of aerospace and aviation, few names shine as brightly as Jean-Christophe Lambert. As the visionary co-founder and CEO of Ascendance, Lambert has dedicated his life to exploring innovative possibilities within the aviation sector since his youth. After his involvement with the Airbus E-Fan project, he established Ascendance, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to transforming civil aviation. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Lambert discusses his insights on the future of aviation, the challenges of innovation, and how Ascendance is paving the way for a greener and more efficient future in air travel.

The aviation industry is at a crossroads. We have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint while ensuring that air travel remains accessible and economical.

The Genesis of Ascendance: A Vision for Sustainable Aviation  

For Jean-Christophe Lambert, the drive to co-found Ascendance came from a deep love for aviation and an urgent need to tackle the industry’s environmental challenges. “The aviation industry is at a crossroads,” Lambert states. “We have a duty to lower our carbon footprint while keeping air travel affordable and within reach.”  

Lambert’s involvement with Airbus’ E-Fan project, which centered on electric propulsion, marked a significant turning point in his career. While the project demonstrated the possibilities of electric aviation, it also revealed the drawbacks of fully electric solutions, especially regarding range, weight, and efficiency. This insight prompted Lambert to investigate hybrid-electric propulsion as a more feasible and immediate approach to decarbonizing air transport.  

Ascendance emerged from this vision. The company’s leading technologies, the STERNA hybrid-electric propulsion system and the ATEA aircraft, aim to cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 50% and 80%, respectively. “Our aim is not just to create new technologies,” Lambert stresses, “but to transform how people and goods are transported, making air travel more sustainable and accessible.”

The Future of Aviation: Key Trends and Innovations

The aviation industry is experiencing a major transformation, fueled by technological progress and a pressing need for sustainability. Lambert highlights several important trends that are set to reshape the industry in the near future. “Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are on the rise,” he points out, “with EU and UK airports mandated to achieve a 2% SAF blend by 2025. This is a vital step in reducing the industry’s carbon emissions.” 

Hybrid-electric propulsion technology, as demonstrated by Ascendance’s STERNA system, is another significant development. “Our technology speeds up the use of SAF while overcoming the range limitations of battery-only options,” Lambert states. The emergence of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, like Ascendance’s ATEA, is poised to transform regional air travel, creating new opportunities for passenger transport, medical services, and cargo delivery. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are also anticipated to significantly enhance efficiency in various areas of aviation operations, from flight planning to predictive maintenance. “Advancements in sustainable aircraft design, including aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion systems, will lead to more fuel-efficient planes,” Lambert adds. “These trends are guiding the aviation sector toward a more sustainable, efficient, and accessible future.”

Our goal is not just to develop new technologies, but to reshape how people and goods move, making air travel more sustainable and accessible.

Overcoming Challenges: The Path to Innovation  

Developing groundbreaking aviation technologies comes with its share of obstacles. Lambert openly shares the difficulties Ascendance has encountered and how the company has navigated them. “The aviation industry is highly regulated, which means new technologies must go through extensive certification processes,” he explains. “To tackle this, we’ve made it a priority to engage with regulatory bodies early and frequently, ensuring our designs meet or exceed safety standards from the very beginning.”  

Another major challenge has been the technical complexity involved. “Integrating hybrid-electric systems into aircraft is quite a challenge,” Lambert acknowledges. “We’ve tackled this by bringing together a team of seasoned aerospace engineers and nurturing a culture of innovation.” Infrastructure limitations, especially the scarcity of charging facilities at airports, have also created hurdles. Nevertheless, Ascendance’s hybrid approach with STERNA provides greater flexibility, allowing operations even at locations without charging infrastructure.  

Transitioning from prototypes to large-scale manufacturing has presented its own set of challenges. “We’ve addressed this by collaborating with industry leaders like Capgemini and Daher to tap into their expertise in industrialization and scaling operations,” Lambert notes. “Convincing both the industry and the public of the feasibility of new aviation technologies can be tough. We’ve concentrated on showcasing the real benefits of our technology through thorough testing and clear communication of our advancements.”

By 2030, we envision a future where hybrid-electric aircraft are commonplace, transforming regional air mobility and significantly reducing the industry’s environmental impact.

Differentiating Ascendance in a Competitive Market

In the expanding market of hybrid and electric aircraft, Ascendance distinguishes itself through several key factors. “Unlike many companies that concentrate solely on aircraft or propulsion systems, we develop both,” Lambert explains. “Our STERNA propulsion technology and ATEA aircraft are designed to work together seamlessly, enhancing performance and efficiency.”

The modular and scalable design of the STERNA system allows for application across various aircraft sizes and types, positioning Ascendance to make an impact in multiple segments of the aviation market. “While many competitors are focused on long-term, fully electric solutions, our hybrid approach provides significant environmental benefits that can be realized quickly,” Lambert states. “This enables us to make an immediate impact.”

Ascendance’s comprehensive sustainability strategy goes beyond merely reducing emissions. “We tackle fuel consumption, noise pollution, and aim to decrease operating costs,” Lambert points out. “Our strong industry partnerships, including those with Capgemini, Daher, and Delair, bolster our ability to scale and industrialize our innovations effectively.”

Driving Widespread Adoption of Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Several key factors are set to drive the widespread adoption of hybrid-electric aircraft, and Ascendance is strategically positioned to take advantage of these trends. Lambert explains, “Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, pushing the industry towards cleaner technologies. Our STERNA technology, which can significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption, is well-suited to meet these evolving requirements.” 

Economic viability will also be crucial. “As fuel costs rise and carbon taxes are implemented, hybrid-electric aircraft will become more appealing due to their lower operating costs,” Lambert states. Technological advancements, especially in battery technology and power management systems, will improve the performance of hybrid-electric aircraft. “We are continuously refining our STERNA system to incorporate these enhancements,” he adds.

Infrastructure development, including charging stations and alternative fuel facilities at airports, will support hybrid-electric operations. “Our flexible hybrid approach allows for operation even in areas where infrastructure is still being developed,” Lambert notes. “The growing market demand for sustainable travel options and potential government incentives will further speed up adoption.”

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation and Excellence

At Ascendance, a culture of innovation and excellence is nurtured through strong leadership and a vibrant team. Lambert explains how he fosters this environment within the company. “We’ve brought together a diverse group of experts, including seasoned aerospace engineers from projects like Airbus’ E-Fan,” he notes. “This diversity encourages creative problem-solving by incorporating different perspectives.”

Open communication is promoted at every level, with regular brainstorming sessions and collaborations across departments that spark new ideas. “We prioritize continuous learning to ensure our team stays ahead of industry trends and technological advancements,” Lambert adds. “Empowerment and autonomy are crucial, enabling our teams to pursue new ideas and methods.”

Lambert also highlights the significance of a “fail fast, learn faster” approach. “We see calculated risks and failures as important learning experiences,” he states. “Recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas and outstanding performance strengthens our dedication to creativity and excellence.”

Collaboration: The Key to Sustainable Innovation

Collaboration plays a crucial role in aviation, and Ascendance is dedicated to partnering with various stakeholders, regulators, and industry players to foster sustainable innovation. “We’ve formed strategic alliances throughout the industry,” Lambert shares. “Our partnership with Daher Aerospace utilizes our knowledge in hybrid-electric propulsion systems to speed up the decarbonization of their aircraft.”

Working closely with regulatory bodies like EASA ensures that Ascendance’s innovations meet necessary standards. “We keep an open line of communication with regulators, involving them early in our development process,” Lambert adds. “Our collaborations with government entities, such as the project with Delair to create a hybrid-electric drone for the French Defense Procurement Agency, highlight our capacity to innovate in both civil and military sectors.”

Ascendance also collaborates with academic and research institutions to remain at the cutting edge of technological progress. “We take part in industry events and forums, showcasing our dedication to engaging with global stakeholders,” Lambert emphasizes. “Through these varied collaborative efforts, we’re not only advancing our own technology but also contributing to the overall progress of sustainable aviation in the industry.”

The future of aviation is not just about flying higher or faster; it’s about flying smarter and cleaner. That’s the vision we’re building at Ascendance.

The Road Ahead: Ascendance’s Vision for 2030

Looking to the future, Lambert sees Ascendance and the wider aerospace industry leading the charge in sustainable aviation. “By 2030, our STERNA technology will be commonly used in regional aviation, powering various aircraft and revolutionizing the sector with its low-carbon, low-noise characteristics,” he states. “ATEA will be fully operational, providing a quiet and efficient alternative to conventional helicopters for regional transport.”

In the next five years, Ascendance has set several important goals. “We are planning the first test flight of our ATEA prototype in the coming year,” Lambert shares. “By 2027, we aim to ramp up production of STERNA propulsion systems for a wider market. By 2028, we intend to start implementing STERNA technology in larger aircraft, showcasing its scalability and setting the stage for future uses. By 2029, we hope to achieve significant market presence in the regional aviation sector with both ATEA and STERNA.”

These objectives will establish Ascendance as a frontrunner in sustainable aviation technology, propelling the industry towards a cleaner, more efficient future. “Our vision goes beyond just creating new aircraft,” Lambert concludes. “It’s about reshaping our approach to air travel, making it more sustainable, accessible, and efficient for future generations.”