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Ascendance Flight Technologies, a French startup dedicated to decarbonizing aviation, has announced the appointment of Stéphane Viala as Director of Engineering and Programs. As of February 1, 2023, he will oversee the technical management of the young aircraft manufacturer’s two flagship programs: Sterna Modular His Hybrid Propulsion System and Hybrid Electric VTOL Aircraft Atea.
This ISAE-ENSMA Aeronautical Engineer also holds a PhD in Turbulence Modeling from SUPAERO/ONERA. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Engineering and Head of Design at French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR, which he joined in 2015.
Prior to his ATR appointment, he spent 16 years at Airbus in various key positions. Prior to leading the A30X Flight Physics and Flight Dynamics integration team, she led the Aerodynamic Methods team and the A350 Flight Dynamics team. He is also responsible for overall aircraft design encompassing flight physics, engines, flight test beds, and methods and tools, defining product evolution, interdisciplinary methods and techniques in the R&T program during his four years. bottom. Prior to joining ATR, he was Chief Engineer for A320 Incremental Development. He holds several patents in the aerospace field and has published several technical articles.
His technical knowledge, 360° integration skills, and extensive experience in all areas of aviation, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the aviation market, are key to Ascendance Flight Technologies’ development and promotion of sustainable flight solutions.
Director of Engineering and Programs Stephane Biala said: My commitment to putting clean aircraft into the skies and growing interest in the potential of hybrid propulsion have led me to closely track Ascendance’s progress. I am impressed with what the team has achieved so far. The project is healthy and credible in terms of segments and objectives, and the increase in the number of LOIs reflects that. The team is highly skilled and shares their vision that hybridization is the key to a fast and efficient transition to green aviation. I am happy to spearhead the technical development of both Sterna and Atea. We also look forward to achieving the following goals: It is for the aviation industry to benefit from our Sterna hybridization technology to fly, certify and industrialize our Atea aircraft. ”
Ascendance’s vision and achievements have steadily attracted renowned professionals with extensive experience in the aviation industry. Bialla’s appointment follows the recent arrival of François Caudron, former Senior Vice President of Marketing and CMO of Airbus, as Business Special Advisor. Former Senior Vice President of Engineering at Airbus, Robert Lafontan will join the team in 2021 as Executive His Technical Advisor.
CEO Jean-Christophe Lambert said: He is a consummate professional who has worked in all phases of the aircraft development and lifecycle, from advanced projects and flight testing to production and global fleet management. His experience in innovative aviation and the perspective of an aircraft designer are essential in leading our technology development. We are committed to rapidly providing the best decarbonization solutions to the aerospace industry and Stéphane’s participation has been an incredible value to the team and a huge step towards our goals. is. ”
This press release was produced and distributed by Ascendance Flight Technologies.
