Airlander 10 airship infographic
Graphic shows features of the Airlander 10.
GN42836EN

AVIATION

Airline orders blimps for passenger service

By Jordi Bou

June 17, 2022 - Spain’s Air Nostrum has become the first airline to reserve ten 100-seater airships with the goal of creating a commercial service for passengers from 2026.

A spokesperson for Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) told AFP that Air Nostrum signed a deal to lease 10 Airlanders scheduled for delivery from 2026 onwards in a transaction worth over $600 million.

According to HAV's website, hybrid aircraft fly due to a combination of aerodynamic lift (like an aeroplane), lifting gases (like an airship) and vectored thrust (similar to a helicopter).

The hybrid aircraft has a helium-filled hull and will be propelled by a hybrid of electric and fuel-burning engines, with the goal of going all-electric by 2030.

It can stay in the air for five days and travel at maximum speeds of 130 kilometres (80 miles) per hour, with a range of more than 7,000 kilometres.

HAV said Airlander 10 will cut flight emissions by up to 90% for journeys across Air Nostrum's regional routes in Spain.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 17/06/2022; STORY: Graphic News
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