Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) and Design Q have won a £60,000 (US$78,477) grant from the UK government to design a luxury interior for a tourist variant of the Airlander aircraft. Design Q was also named as HAV’s preferred supplier for the design and manufacture of luxury cabins.
“We are excited about the prospect of working on such a unique project,” said Howard Guy, CEO and joint founder of Design Q. “Not only is it the largest flying aircraft in the world, but it demands an interior that truly breaks new ground and provides an experience that will be unlike anything seen before. This will be something that passengers will treasure all their lives.”
HAV says the Airlander will be able to stay in the air for days at a time and land anywhere, offering the luxury of “virtual silence”, floor-to-ceiling windows and fresh air. “I have flown Airlander a number of times now, and am really excited about the possibility of taking the first passengers on board,” said Dave Burns, Airlander chief test pilot. “I can imagine the awe and excitement of seeing the world in luxury, with amazing views, quietly and while respecting the environment.”
It was also announced that Henry Cookson Adventures (HCA) will be the first private excursion company to trial Airlander 10, in 2018. It then intends to fly the type-certified aircraft to various places, at client request.
November 3, 2017
