The UK-based company Hybrid Air Vehicles has announced the new design of a hybrid balloon aircraft called Airlander.
According to the introduction, this type of vehicle is very suitable for Travel between cities such as Liverpool – Belfast (UK), Barcelona – Palma (Spain), or Seattle – Vancouver (Canada).
Mr. Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, said this aircraft can transport 10 tons of cargo for 100 passengers with 90% less emissions than with traditional aircraft. It is noteworthy that the Airlander can “travel” in the air for 5 days.
Each time this aircraft takes off, it can fly more than 7,400km, equal to the distance from London (UK) to Mumbai (India). According to the description, Airlander is like a high-speed train because of its size and large capacity. In the passenger compartment, the seats are spaciously designed with separate entrances and large windows. Because this vehicle flies at low altitude, there will be very little vibration and air turbulence.
Representative of Hybrid Air Vehicles added that they are cooperating with Collins Aerospace, a US-based company, to produce an all-electric Airlander.
It is known that this is the first hybrid balloon aircraft to use engines. Hybrid electromechanical with 75% less emissions than traditional. By 2025, the Airlander is expected to be designed to run an electric hybrid version, helping to reduce emissions by 90%. A fully electric, zero-emission version by 2030.
In addition to efforts to protect the environment, the company hopes to bring tourists more new experiences than traditional airplanes. One of them is to improve seats and minimum legroom.
In the immediate future, the Spanish airline Air Nostrum has pre-ordered 10 aircraft. It is expected that Hybrid Air Vehicles will put into mass production this year with the first commercial flight expected to take place in 2026.
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