Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), a UK-based airship manufacturer, has announced plans to establish a new production facility in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, for its innovative Airlander 10 hybrid aircraft. The move is expected to create more than 1,200 skilled jobs and position the region as a hub for sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing.

Airlander 10

The Airlander 10 is a unique hybrid aircraft that combines the best aeroplane and airship technology. It is designed to provide ultra-low emissions air travel and can carry up to 100 passengers or 10 tonnes of payload. The aircraft’s buoyancy is derived from non-flammable helium, and its aerodynamic shape allows for efficient flight.

HAV claims that the Airlander 10 will be the world’s most efficient large aircraft, with a projected top speed of around 100mph. The company already boasts an impressive £1 billion order book, with Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum set to be the launch customer. The company aims to operate a fleet of 20 Airlander 10s in the Mediterranean by 2028.

The new production facility will be located at Carcroft Common, a 50-hectare site identified by the City of Doncaster Council for economic development. Subject to planning approval, HAV will develop state-of-the-art facilities for Airlander 10 production, testing, and certification.

The site is expected to be able to produce up to 24 Airlander 10s per year. The first aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2028, and production and type certification programs will begin in 2024.

The Carcroft Common facility is anticipated to create over 1,200 highly skilled jobs in the region, providing a significant boost to the local economy. HAV CEO Tom Grundy stated, “Airlander 10 will transform what’s possible for sustainable air travel, and Carcroft Common will deliver the flagship production centre we need to do that, creating over 1,200 jobs and a £1bn per annum export.”

HAV has received robust support from the City of Doncaster Council and the South Yorkshire region throughout the planning process. The project builds on a previous agreement with the Mayor of Doncaster and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, which included a £7 million investment by the region to collaborate on skills and supply chain development.

The airship manufacturer also plans to work closely with regional partners like the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the Doncaster University Technical College to drive innovation and develop a skilled workforce.

The Airlander 10’s ultra-low emissions design aligns with the growing demand for sustainable air travel solutions. As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprint, hybrid airships like the Airlander 10 could be crucial in achieving net-zero emissions targets.

HAV’s commitment to sustainable aviation is evident in the Airlander 10’s design, which maximizes efficiency through buoyancy, aerodynamics, and vectored thrust. The aircraft’s low-speed, low-altitude operations also have the potential to reduce noise pollution compared to traditional aircraft.

Despite the current optimism surrounding the Airlander 10, the aircraft has faced challenges. In 2016, during its second test flight, the prototype crashed at its Cardington Airfield base. While no crew members were injured, the incident highlighted the risks of developing innovative aircraft.

However, HAV remains confident in the Airlander 10’s potential, with a strong orderbook and growing interest from the aviation industry. The establishment of the Carcroft Common production site marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to market its hybrid airship.

The announcement production represents a major step forward for the company and the South Yorkshire region. The project has garnered strong support from local government and industry partners and has the potential to create over 1,200 skilled jobs and establish the area as a hub for sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing.