Spanish regional carrier Air Nostrum has become the launch customer for the Airlander 10 airship, signing a “reservation agreement” for 10 aircraft. The Airlander 10 is manufactured by UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV).
The plan is for Air Nostrum to take delivery of its first Airlander 10 in 2026, becoming the launch operator of the aircraft. The Airlander 10 is designed to carry 100 passengers or 10 tonnes of cargo. In its initial operational configuration the aircraft will be powered by two diesel engines and two electric motors, with a view to the aircraft becoming fully electrically powered within five years.
“The reservation agreement follows six months of rigorous studies and modelling carried out by Air Nostrum Group and HAV into the operation of Airlander 10 on Spanish domestic aviation routes and the associated economics,” said HAV. “Airlander 10 aircraft are expected to diversify and complement Air Nostrum Group’s existing aircraft fleet currently operating on these routes, carrying 100 passengers while producing only around one tenth of the harmful emissions.”
According to Carlos Bertomeu, president of Air Nostrum; “We are exploring each and every possible way to reduce our carbon footprint. This is something that we have been doing for many years. The Airlander 10 will drastically reduce emissions and for that reason we have made this agreement with HAV. Sustainability, which is good news for everyone, is already a non-negotiable fact in the daily operations of commercial aviation. Agreements such as these are a very effective way to reach the de-carbonization targets contemplated in the Fit for 55 legislative initiative.”
“Airlander was designed to deliver a better future for sustainable aviation services, whilst enabling new transport networks and to provide rapid growth options for their customers,” said Tom Grundy, HAV chief executive. “As countries like France, Denmark, Norway, Spain and the UK begin to put in place ambitious mandates for the decarbonisation of domestic and short haul flight, Hybrid Air Vehicles and Air Nostrum Group are demonstrating how we can get there – and get there soon.”
