Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd (HAV), a UK-based leader in sustainable aircraft technology, has launched the Airlander Futures Network – an initiative to bring together all parties interested in future developments of the Airlander family.

Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics providers with offices in over 100 countries, has joined the network to explore the use of future Airlander variants in their logistics ecosystem, looking specifically at Airlander’s potential to fill the gap between fast, carbon-intensive air freight and cheap but slow surface transport.

The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management joins the network to provide expertise and input on the role larger Airlander aircraft could play in humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Oregon is a leader in disaster relief planning, principally because of the threat to the state from Cascadia Subduction Zone. With the requirement for prepared runways removed and the ability to carry large payloads for days at a time, future Airlander aircraft could provide a new solution for disaster relief. 

The Airlander Futures Network is a group that allows the logistics, freight, and other key markets to come together over shared business needs. These global players will contribute their market expertise and industry insight to drive forward the design and specification of future Airlander aircraft. The Airlander Futures Network builds on learnings from what was the Airlander 50 Development Partner Programme.

Airlander 10, HAV’s first aircraft to market, will be capable of delivering 100+ seat passenger mobility, or a ten-tonne payload of freight transportation, or a combination of the two. Airlander 10 already has customers, such as leading European regional airline Air Nostrum Group and eco-tourism brand Grands Espaces. Following this the Airlander design scales easily into larger variants that could carry up to 200 tonnes. Logistics, freight, and disaster relief are key markets for the future Airlander aircraft. Having organisations at the cutting edge of their field joining the Airlander Futures Network means the aircraft will be delivered to the design and specification that will allow them to carry out their important work efficiently and cost effectively.

“The Airlander Futures Network poses a real opportunity to understand the aspirations of the logistics and freight market. We believe larger Airlander variants can unlock further growth and efficiency in those markets. This network lays the groundwork for relationships with industry that will collaboratively grow to deliver an aircraft that meets their needs and the needs of the planet. We look forward to working with global players to ensure the design of future aircraft meets their requirements”, George LandExecutive Director - Sales, Hybrid Air Vehicles