Back in 2016, we were hyped for the Airlander 10, a 302-foot-long (the world’s longest) hybrid airship. But when it crashed on its second test flight, our enthusiasm was curbed. But a few days ago at the Farnborough Airshow, Hybrid Air Vehicles, an aerospace firm behind the craft, unveiled interiors of a tourist-focused Airlander, and now we’re hyped again.
In collaboration with auto-aviation design consultancy Design Q, HAV designed interiors that live up to our expectations, but if you’re not a fan of heights, you may want to reconsider. The entire cabin is covered in glass, including most of the floors, so you can take in all the views from 20,000 feet.
The focus of this craft is not to get you to your destination as quickly as possible: The aircraft will only be able to reach a maximum speed of 91 MPH. But its goal is HAV is calling “luxury expeditionary tourism.” It’s more like a luxurious cruise but in the clouds. Routes would showcase places such as the Grand Canyon or Iceland. It has the ability to land and take off anywhere, including water, which opens endless possibilities that airports can’t give you.
HAV’s CEO Stephen McGlennan told BBC: “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.”
Aside from the killer views, the craft features a full bar, plush couches, beanbags and spacious bedrooms. HAV says that the Airlander 10 could carry up to 19 passengers, with full catering provided. Where do we sign up?
