Overview
- Pesquet piloted the French Air and Space Force A330 MRTT that returned President Emmanuel Macron and his delegation from Air Base 125 in Istres to Paris-Orly on January 15.
- The French presidency told AFP that Pesquet is a reserve colonel assigned to Istres with all required licences and diplomas to fly the MRTT.
- During the flight, Macron observed an in‑flight refueling of Rafale fighters and a presentation of the aircraft’s medical evacuation capabilities, according to Ouest‑France.
- Pesquet joined the operational reserve in September 2024 and serves with the 31st Strategic Air Refuelling and Transport Wing; he has been a tanker co‑pilot since 2024.
- He continues active duties with the European Space Agency preparing for future lunar missions and has led Novespace, a CNES subsidiary for parabolic flights, since April 2025.