AEROPHILE is known for its tethered balloons for the general public. What new uses are there of interest to the aerospace industry?
Since we started up in 1993, we have flown several million passengers on all five continents. This makes us the company that has lifted the greatest number of passengers using Archimedes' lighterthan-air principle. In 2008 we launched the Air de Paris balloon, the French capital's first aerostatic air qualityindicator. But aerostatics is an old-established technology that can have revolutionary applications. For example, since March 2009 the Yemeni army has been using one of our tethered balloons for paratrooper training. Using an aeroplane, 60 paratroopers can jump in one hour at a cost of €15,000. With our balloon, twice as many can jump in the same time for a mere €500. Our solution is therefore cost-effective but also environmentally friendly and easy to use. We are talking about a motorised platform that can be moved around as required.

Does the fact that you are based in Paris Region influence your development?
We have two exceptional showcases in the form of EuroDisney and Paris itself, the world's premier tourist destination. We also recently took advantage of the opportunity to join the ASTech Paris Region cluster, with the aim of broadening our horizons and reaching other markets, in this case the aerospace sector. We are constantly innovating. We are also the winner of the PM'UP Île-de-France 2009 competition.