Solar Impulse HB-SIA, the first solar-powered plane recently had its first runway tests in Switzerland. Solar Impulse founder and president Bertrand Piccard said this is unforgettable moment and that the plane is on track for a 2012 globe circumnavigation attempt powered only by sun rays.

“For over ten years now, I have dreamt of a solar aircraft capable of flying day and night without fuel” he said in a press release. “Today, our plane took off and was airborne for the very first time.”

With a flight that reminds one of the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903, Solar Impulse was flown 350 meters down the runway in a flight 28 seconds long. After the test, the airplane is scheduled to be moved at at Payerne because its current location next to Zurich Airport, Dübendorf Airfield’s, doesn’t allow the plane more rigorous flights.

Here are some videos from the first flight: