Aircraft
Hybrid Airships Make a Slow Takeoff
The strong green credentials of hybrid airships raise new hopes of market acceptance.
Spanish regional carrier Air Nostrum would use the Airlander to carry up to 100 passengers and meet carbon reduction targets. (Image: HAV)
Spanish regional carrier Air Nostrum would use the Airlander to carry up to 100 passengers and meet carbon reduction targets. (Image: HAV)

The developers of hybrid airships for years have said that a first customer will soon commit. But despite good progress in designing the revolutionary and eco-friendly solution for a variety of applications, firm orders have remained elusive. Now Britain’s Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) appears close to securing a first customer. On the other side of the Atlantic, however, Lockheed Martin has given up trying.