Pioneer in the design and manufacture of Ultra Light Motorised Pendular aircraft, Air Création offers a large range, allowing to offer each pilot a combination perfectly adapted to his requirements, for leisure or special activities.
Interview with Le Bihan Philibert, Marketing Director at Air creation.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Le Bihan Philibert: At Air Création, we’ve been designing and manufacturing weight-shift control ultralight trikes since 1982. Based in Ardèche, in the heart of the French countryside, we take pride in producing all our trikes and wings on-site. Each aircraft that leaves our workshop is a reflection of our craftsmanship—and our passion for flight.
Our ambition is simple: to offer machines that are robust, high-performing, safe, and, above all, capable of delivering an unmatched flying experience.
Today, over 4,500 trikes and 8,000 wings bearing the Air Création signature are flying across five continents. Our aircraft are used in a wide range of applications: recreational flying, travel, flight training, discovery flights, scientific missions, aerial photography, parachute drops, towing, and surveillance.
What drives us is the diversity of flying experiences and a simple idea: to fly differently, freely, anywhere in the world.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
L.B.P: Our core expertise lies in weight-shift control ultralights, a sector we’ve mastered end-to-end—from design to maintenance. For over 40 years, we’ve been developing reliable, high-performance machines designed to last and to maximize pilot enjoyment.
Our operations are built on three complementary pillars:
- Design, Innovation & R&D: All our wings and trike frames are developed in-house. This in-depth technical know-how fuels continuous innovation, with a strong focus on performance, safety, flight dynamics, and ergonomics—for both pilot and passenger.
- High-precision Manufacturing: Our production is fully integrated at our Lanas facility, combining precision craftsmanship with industrial-grade processes. We bring together a wide range of skills—sailmaking, upholstery, machining, welding—to assemble aircraft that are consistent, durable, and refined.
- Long-term Customer Support: Our relationship with customers doesn’t end at delivery. We provide full factory maintenance, repair services, and a complete spare parts catalog online at shop.aircreation.fr. We also support customers in reselling their aircraft when they’re ready to upgrade.
Our strength lies in this tightly integrated process, allowing us to offer each customer a personalized, responsive, and sustainable experience.
What’s the news about new products/services?
L.B.P: A major milestone this year is the launch of the e-Pixel, a breakthrough in light aviation. It’s the first electric trike certified in France, and a bold statement of what clean, modern, and silent aviation can look like. Compact and minimalist, this single-seater offers up to 1.5 hours of autonomy at under 120 kg—making it compliant with the U.S. Part 103 ultralight category.
Easy to fly, simple to maintain, and vibration-free, the e-Pixel is made for those ready to leave combustion engines behind. No more fuel smells or mechanical hassle—just pure, lightweight flying joy.
We are also progressing on the e-Bi, our upcoming two-seater electric trike. With a range of about one hour, it’s less about long-distance travel and more about discovery flights and training—at an extremely low operating cost. It’s an ambitious project that reflects our commitment to a cleaner, simpler, and more accessible future for light aviation.
What are the ranges of products/services?
L.B.P: Our product line is modular by design, allowing every pilot to build their ideal trike based on their flying style and environment. From long-distance adventurers to ultralight electric flyers, every wing + chassis combination reflects a unique way of flying.
Here are just a few standout pairings:
- Tanarg Néo + BioniX²: for performance, comfort, and long-haul capability
- Skypper Evo + BioniX² 15: for a sportier, more precise flying style
- Skypper Bush + iFun XL: a rugged, STOL-ready configuration for rough terrain
- e-Pixel + iFun 13: a minimalist, silent single-seater compliant with Part 103
And these are just examples. All our wings are compatible with multiple frames, and each trike is fully customizable—from wing undersurface and colors to avionics, fairing, propeller, parachute options, and more.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
L.B.P: The weight-shift ultralight segment is a niche market, but a lively one. 35% of our sales are in France, 18% in Europe, and the rest across international markets, with strong presence in Egypt, China, and Eastern Europe. Sales distribution varies year by year based on projects, tenders, and global conditions.
The market is relatively stable but slightly declining in Western Europe, where younger generations are less drawn to mechanical sports, and regulations are becoming stricter. Noise-related restrictions, in particular, are making operations more complex in some areas. But other trends are on the rise.
Direct competition is limited—we are one of only two major global players, and Air Création clearly leads in volume and reputation. Indirect competition, however, is strong, particularly from gyroplanes and fixed-wing ultralights. It’s both a challenge and an opportunity to affirm the unique identity of weight-shift trikes.
The most promising segments today are discovery flights (especially tourism) and institutional use. More and more operators are ordering fleet packages rather than single units, for uses including surveillance, parachute towing, training, scientific missions, and event demonstrations.
Geopolitical events heavily influence the market. Current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have frozen several regions. Conversely, favorable weather conditions—like those in France in 2025—boost flying hours and renewal cycles.
We currently produce 40–50 trikes and 80–100 wings per year. Global demand remains steady, but the ecosystem may be on the verge of transformation. Reaching a new generation of pilots will be key. Our electric range is a major lever in that direction—simpler, cleaner, and more accessible.
There’s also significant potential among paramotor pilots, who could be drawn to trikes if they find the same freedom—with more comfort.
At the same time, product lines are moving upmarket, with increasing technical sophistication and price. This elevates the sector’s image, but also risks creating barriers for younger pilots. We must strike a balance between quality and accessibility.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
L.B.P: Innovation is in our DNA. For over 40 years, we’ve been redefining what a weight-shift ultralight can be—rethinking structures, sails, control systems, and propulsion technologies. Our drive to improve is fueled by feedback from the field and a close relationship with our customers.
Our flagship innovation in 2025 is the e-Pixel—the first certified electric trike in France. Light, quiet, vibration-free and odorless, it offers a gentler, simpler, more intuitive flying experience. At just 120 kg with a 1.5-hour range, it’s already Part 103 compatible in the U.S. It’s a future-ready machine—available today.
Alongside it, we’re developing the e-Bi, a two-seater version designed for flight schools and introductory flights. It’s a clean, quiet, and cost-effective solution that maintains all the safety and thrill of traditional flying.
Another standout innovation: our Corset system, integrated into our BioniX² wings. It’s a patented Air Création exclusive that allows in-flight adjustment of wing tension, letting the pilot modulate stability, agility, and performance. It’s a game-changer—an unprecedented level of control in the weight-shift world, without compromising safety.
And we’re just getting started—many more concepts are in the pipeline.
What estimations do you have for the second half of 2025?
L.B.P: Prospects for the second half of 2025 are positive. Following a strong first half, improved weather conditions (compared to 2024) are revitalizing the French market.
Internationally, easing tensions in conflict zones are reopening previously frozen markets. Additionally, the removal of import tariffs on aviation equipment in the U.S. could reignite interest in our lineup from North American customers.
Several fleet orders are in the final stages, pointing to a strong year-end—and an excellent outlook for 2026.
The electric range, led by the e-Pixel and soon the e-Bi, is generating strong interest among both individuals and institutions looking to reduce noise and environmental impact. This shift opens up new market segments and helps attract younger pilots—a real growth engine for the coming years.