Solar Impulse is go from Abu Dhabi

Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg (R) and his compatriot pilot Bertrand Piccard get ready to fly the Solar Impulse 2 at Al Bateen airport in Abu Dhabi March 9, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

Prince Albert said it was an honor to host the MCC in Monaco because it was great to have the principality's name associated with the project as it supports renewable energy.

"I'm sure this will be an incredible message for renewable and solar energy," he said.

Solar Impulse will make a round the world tour, returning to Abu Dhabi in late June or July. It is expected to set a new record for flying 40,000 kilometers on solar power alone.

Because of its huge reliance on good weather, take off was delayed from March 1 until Monday.

Luc Trullemans, a meteorologist working at the MCC, explained that the delay was due to the presence of dust in the atmosphere and wind in the desert of Abu Dhabi, which led to sand falling slowly to the ground, affecting visibility.

The MCC's media team has been keen to spread the message about Solar Impulse around the world, raising awareness of clean energy.

"It is not about the airplane flying around the world, it is really about how many voices we can raise for an amazing cause," said Bruno Boehm, digital marketing manager at MCC.

Boehm said the dream behind the project belongs to many people contributing to the same cause, including Solar Impulse's sponsors. His team will take the views of all contributors to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris later this year.