Hybrid Air Vehicles has begun survey and preparatory work at the site in Doncaster, UK where it plans to build its Airlander 10 factory.
Airlander is a mix of airship and fixed-wing aircraft design and technology. The hybrid aircraft generates lift from its helium-filled hull and its wing-like shape and thrust from its four engines.
The Airlander 10 is Hybrid Air Vehicles’ (HAV’s) first aircraft and will carry 100 passengers or a 10 tonne payload. Airlander 10 will have a top speed of 80mph (130km/h) and be able to stay aloft for five days.
The first Airlanders are planned to enter service in 2028. Customers include regional airline Air Nostrum, which plans to operate Airlander 10s around the Mediterranean and Spain, and a French Polar tourism company.
The 50 hectare site at Carcroft Common, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire will host HAV’s Airlander 10 production, testing and certification operations, and have the capacity to produce up to 24 aircraft per year. HAV expects to create around 1,200 jobs at the site and in the regional supply chain.
HAV has been working closely with the City of Doncaster Council on the Airlander factory. This includes funding via a £7 million (US$9 million) loan from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), the first tranche of which was recently released.
Nick Allman, chief operating officer of Hybrid Air Vehicles said, “We welcome the release of the first installment of the loan from SYMCA. Alongside the investment that we are bringing to this program, it allows our team to progress the planning permission submission for the Airlander 10 production site at Carcroft Common, advancing several steps on our production site such as completing surveys and ground investigations, as well as engaging key design and planning suppliers.
“This is a major step in creating a pioneering facility to assemble fleets of Airlander 10 aircraft, as well as establishing a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in Doncaster, bringing with it new opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships in South Yorkshire.”
HAV has also opened an office in Doncaster to establish a presence in the city and provide a base for HAV employees while work gets underway at the Carcroft Common site.
“Opening our Cavendish Court office catalyses activity in the region by providing us with a place to build connections with the local community and welcome partners while our Carcroft Common site is being developed,” added Allman.
Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster said, “It’s great news that Hybrid Air Vehicles will make Doncaster their home. Their presence in the city is an exciting first step in the next generation of air technology bringing the highly anticipated Airlander 10 to life at Carcroft Common. This development will bring substantial investment and create highly skilled job opportunities, further strengthening Doncaster’s position as a hub for innovation and industry.”
Oliver Coppard, mayor of South Yorkshire said, “I’m delighted to see Hybrid Air Vehicles moving forward with these plans. We are creating a world-leading center for sustainable aviation here in South Yorkshire.
“I have already committed to doing what we can to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, creating a sustainable aviation hub at the center of sustainable air travel. That is why companies like Hybrid Air Vehicles are choosing to try and build their businesses here.”
