According to the manufacturer, it is held aloft by helium and electricity, it accommodates 100 passengers and usually flies 300 to 400 km. (credit: reproduction/disclosure)
As the pursuit of eco-friendly aviation continues, a Spanish airline has put its hat in the ring by ordering new hybrid airships – which, they say, are as visually impressive as they are environmental.
Air Nostrum, which operates flights under the Iberia Regional umbrella from its base in Valencia, has ordered 10 Airlander planes, expected to be delivered in 2026. Previously, its manufacturers had predicted that the plane — unveiled in 2016 — would be in service by 2025.
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Manufactured by UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), the hybrid aircraft can reduce emissions by 90%, according to the company. According to the manufacturer, it is held aloft by helium and electricity, it accommodates 100 passengers and usually flies 300 to 400 km. However, do not expect a very fast flight – the maximum speed will be 129 km / h.
The deal comes after six months of “careful studies and modeling” of inland Spanish roads, according to the manufacturer.
HAV says that in the future, potential short-range routes for the plane could include Liverpool to Belfast, Ireland; From Seattle to Vancouver and Oslo to Stockholm. The aircraft can make point-to-point flights because it does not need an airport runway for landing – all waterfronts, green spaces and underutilized airports have been booked by HAV.
“Airlander does not need an airport structure to operate. HAV is exploring new operating sites with Air Nostrum,” said a spokesperson.
The interiors are more glamorous than typical aircraft cabins, with a 1-2-1 configuration, some seats facing each other, and sheer walls looking out over the countryside below. For those who like to see where they are going, you will fly a maximum of 20,000 feet, which is equivalent to 6 kilometers. A conventional plane usually travels between 10 and 12 kilometers.
Air Nostrum president Carlos Bertomeu said the blimps would help his company meet EU “Fit for 55” targets to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
“The Airlander 10 will significantly reduce emissions which is why we have this agreement with HAV,” he said in a statement. “Sustainability… is already a non-negotiable fact of day-to-day commercial aviation.
“Deals like this are a very effective way to achieve the decarbonization goals envisioned in the Fit for 55 legislative initiative.”
Tom Grandi, CEO of HAV, added: “As countries such as France, Denmark, Norway, Spain and the UK begin to put in place ambitious mandates to decarbonize domestic and short-haul flights, Hybrid Air Vehicles and Air Nostrum are showing how we can get there. – And arriving soon.
“Airlander is designed to deliver a brighter future for sustainable aviation services, enabling new transportation networks and providing fast-growing options for our customers.”
HAV will begin building the fleet this year, creating 1,800 jobs in Yorkshire, UK.
The company said it was working on “further developments in electric propulsion” and hoped the Airlander 10 would become the first full-size aircraft to achieve zero-emissions flight.
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