In 2003, Erick HERZBERGER and Luc BERNOLE decided to launch a project in light aviation. After several years of experience in the automotive sector, these two glider-flying enthusiasts combined their expertise and their project management skills to create LISA Airplanes.  In creating a business based on innovation, technology, and design, their goal was to bring new life to recreational aviation.

The two co-founders knew that the success of this venture was in the perfect blend of creativity and realism. Taking the challenge, they first imagined a concept of innovative aircraft that was capable of landing on water, land, and snow: AKOYA, and envisaged developing a wider range of plans.

Between 2003 and 2004, Erick Herzberger and Luc Bernole created LISA Airplanes and choose the Rhône - Alpes Region to start their project.
LISA Airplanes was a prizewinner in the National Competition for Innovating New Business, organized by ANVAR/OSEO, thanks to Ri&Flex Wing system, which allowed them to begin the first phases of aerodynamic research.

From 2005, the young company opened its capital to three major investors, including an investment fund managed by the Rhône-Alpes Region. At the same time, it was awarded the title of "Young Innovative Company" and won many supporters in the field by becoming laureate of the “Réseau Savoie Entreprendre” for its company vision.

In 2006, LISA Airplanes engineers started the AKOYA program with help from Polytechnic Schools, as well as ONERA, for the calculations phase and the first wind tunnel tests.

2007 was an important year for LISA Airplanes since it marked the realization of the company’s vision: the maiden flight of the AKOYA on August 22. This success allowed the LISA Airplanes team to develop the Hy-Bird project, the electric version of AKOYA.

In 2008, LISA Airplanes took the first reservations for its commercial program, started by the first flight of the AKOYA.