80 Superyachts of the skies

Superyachts of the skies

Airship travel is back, reincarnated as a low-emission luxury alternative.

With air travel predicted to soon return to pre-pandemic levels, the industry must reduce carbon emissions. Incremental changes are no longer enough and new solutions are needed.

Could airships reclaim the skies? Airships are positioning themselves as sustainable upscale alternatives to passenger flights and sky cruises, and some experts say they could revolutionize air travel in the coming decade.

Airships present a distinctive luxury travel experience. Their large and comfortable cabins, lounges, fine dining areas and panoramic windows offer immediate advantage.

Luxury travel company Ocean Sky Cruises is already planning airship expeditions to the North Pole for 2024. With tickets marketed toward “true pioneers of the world,” the company will make history by being the first to land an airship on the North Pole. The 38-hour journey will include wildlife spotting opportunities, views of the aurora borealis, and onboard cocktail experiences.

Also tapping into the luxury market is Israel-based aviation company Atlas LTA. Its luxury aircraft give passengers an elevated sightseeing experience from bird’s-eye view observation decks.

British manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles is behind Airlander, the world’s first hybrid aircraft. Its latest iteration, fitted with hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric

Top: Ocean Sky Cruises Bottom: Airlander, the world’s first hybrid aircraft, by Hybrid Air Vehicles Right: Flying Whales motors, can be configured with luxurious seating, and offers floor-to-ceiling windows for an uninterrupted view.

Airships offer wider eco-potential too. Airlander’s owner aims for it to perform short-haul intercity flights by 2025 and is also positioning the craft as a freight solution. Similarly, French company Flying Whales is developing a fleet of airships as an eco-solution for air cargo transportation. The fleet will reach isolated, difficult-to-access locations around the world while maintaining a small environmental footprint.

Why it’s interesting A new class of airships offers sustainable voyages that don’t compromise on luxury. These high-end, low-impact experiences could herald a new golden era in luxury aviation.

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