Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited, the company that created the Airlander 10 — the eco-friendly dirigible with the funny backside — is bringing the aircraft back with a modern, luxurious twist.
Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited has worked together with DesignQ, a design consultancy, to put together what looks like the most amazing sight-seeing cruise ship on an aircraft. At over 150 feet long, longer than the longest 737 and wider than an average narrow-body airplane, the plane has a lot to offer inside.
The private guest bedrooms, each with a full-sized bed, will have an en-suite bath. The walls will be covered in a floor-to-ceiling window that offers breath-taking views. There is a bar, named the Altitude Bar, where guests can enjoy drinks and fine dining with panoramic views.
The Infinity Lounge lets passengers actually receive a horizon-to-horizon infinity view including a ‘view pool’ under the lounge seats.
Stephen McGlennan, CEO of HAV has high hopes, “Airlander challenges people to rethink the skies – that’s the driving force behind everything we do,” he said. “Air travel has become very much about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. What we’re offering is a way of making the journey a joy.”
What makes his flight even more appealing is the avoidance of airports. The Airlander 10 can take off and land on almost any flat area. It also travels at maximum speeds of 100 miles an hour, so there is plenty of time take some gorgeous snaps and videos of sights as you go by.
An average expedition on the aircraft would be three days long and could go practically anywhere around the world. Sold yet?
The Airlander program has been in development and testing since 2016. After a successful first flight last year, the Airlander 10 ran into a small hiccup and had what must hold the record for the slowest crash landing in aviation history.
Unfortunately, the aircraft suffered around $40 million in damages. Nonetheless, the company is confident to get the Airlander up and running and will offer a safe and enjoyable service.