Dream has become Reality for “FusionMan” Yves Rossy
A few days after the spectacular feat achieved by Yves Rossy – the first man to fly with a jet-propelled wing on his back – the initial excitement has given way to emotion at Hublot. In fact, the watchmaker believed in this dream project and high technology feat from the very beginning and therefore decided to support this flying man, also known as “FusionMan”. The latter was then able to complete the development of his wing, to train adequately, and finally succeed in his first challenge – to cross the English Channel!
- FusionMan
On 26th September 2008, Yves flew like a bird across the English Channel between Calais and Dover in only 12 minutes. This date will go down in history, just as 99 years ago when Louis Blériot was the first aviator to fly from France to England. However, though his heart is understandably bursting with pride and happiness, he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. Although his exploit was watched live all over the world, since then he has resumed his job as a long-haul airline pilot.
When Yves Rossy presented his project to Jean-Claude Biver two years ago, the latter was immediately inspired by the enthusiasm of this modern-days Icarus. Jean-Claude was committed to supporting FusionMan because for him the project embodied the fusion of dream and state-of-the-art technology. And the “fusion of man and bird”! The enthusiastic CEO of Hublot – lacking neither creativity nor audacity – was the ideal partner for Yves Rossy, who had always held on to his dream.
- Hublot: FusionMan and Jean-Claude Biver
By standing in for his employer – Swiss Air Lines – during his sabbatical leave, Hublot enabled Yves Rossy, an Airbus A340 captain, to devote himself entirely to the fulfilment of his dream in optimal conditions. Now that it has been a complete success, and that congratulatory messages continue to pour in, the emotional dimension adds to the fascination. In terms of aeronautics, it is the accomplishment of a global “first”, even though nowadays man is capable of flying to the moon. “As far as FusionMan is concerned, he makes us dream because he blends in with the elements, traces his path, and does everything to achieve his ambitions!” enthused Jean-Claude Biver. (Hublot press)
INTERVIEW WITH YVES “FUSIONMAN” ROSSY on 4th Oct 08
Jean-Claude Biver is a man who acts in accordance with his passions, which obviously includes your project. What does this relationship mean to you?
We are both highly enthusiastic, so we are always on the same wavelength. When we have an idea in mind, we take all possible measures to make it happen; and we always see our projects through. We both follow our intuition. Being able to follow this inner feeling, this deep-seated aspiration, is a big advantage, and gives us enormous satisfaction.
Apart from the financial aspect, what did having Hublot’s support bring you?
There was a strong identification between Hublot and I, if only the slogan “Hublot – the Art of Fusion” and “FusionMan” – which, by the way, was Jean-Claude’s idea. Fusion is at the heart of both our philosophies: I combine Man with Wing and Air, and Hublot combines materials. Technology also brings us close. The Big Bang is a technological wonder, and my wings are the result of an advanced process of research and development. Thus there are two levels of identification: the concept and the product.
How did you feel before, during and after the flight?
I was confident because training enabled me to discover and learn about the environment. I learned something essential through this performance: you are in GIFT MODE, you want to share such an experience. The first time when I could not fly because of unfavourable weather conditions, I was tense and nervous. I was focused on DOING IT and I considered this attempt like a battle to be won as a victory. I was not in harmony with the elements, and couldn’t see the fun side of this crossing. So I worked on this during the night, to succeed in the attempt while respecting the elements. Indeed, nature in this region is strong and impressive, it is also an area which is emotionally laden from an historical viewpoint.
I had researched locations in case of landing problems, but I had not paid enough
attention to the sea. Again, with this “gift” perspective, I went to greet her and express
my respect for her. At that moment, I realised that I was there with my friends, and my
team, and that we were also there to have a good laugh together. The atmosphere was
thereafter more jolly and more relaxed; I was there to do a “fun” thing, to share and
communicate. The director said “let’s have fun!” and so I resolved to offer this crossing
to the viewers. I had a message to communicate: to make people dream, and show
them how beautiful it is to fly. But I was also grateful to the elements for allowing me to succeed.
How did the idea of flying occur to you?
I have an extensive experience of aviation, but I wanted to let Man out of the “box” represented by the aeroplane. I wanted to feel the air, to put Man back at the centre, and be in osmosis with the elements – to get back to the quintessence of life.