Imagine drifting among the clouds, high up in the sky, gazing down at the world beneath your feet through glass floors and windows. Depending on your extent of acrophobia, this flight could either be a terrifying trip or a one-of-a-kind journey. But — it’s a reality on board Airlander 10, a 300-foot hybrid airship that’s hailed as the largest aircraft in the world.
From the outside, its curvy rear has gotten it nicknamed the “flying bum” — but step inside, and it’s a totally different look and feel. Bringing luxury travel to a whole new level, the US$32 million project by Hybrid Air Vehicles is essentially a lavish hotel playground for the rich, jetsetter crowd to hop on board for swanky three-day excursions.
Designed together with UK automotive and aviation design consultancy Design Q, the plush interiors include a full bar, fine dining catering, a spacious lounge area, private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Up to 19 passengers can enjoy those sky high, horizon-to-horizon views from 16,000 feet at any one time — and since it’s meant to be quite the extravagant experience, the aircraft can only cruise up to 91mph (compared to the Airbus A380’s max speed of 560mph) on low-cost fuel. Oh, and it can apparently take off and land anywhere, including on ice, water, and desert landscapes, which certainly makes traveling a lot more interesting.
Initially conceptualized for commercial and military use, the Airlander 10 is now leaning towards luxury tourism with its new design. And even though it crash landed in August 2016 and deflated before departure in November last year, the buzz surrounding its unique voyage remains. So far, it has undergone six successful test flights, but will have to complete 200 incident-free hours in the sky before guests are allowed on board.
Ticket prices haven’t been released yet, but we’re betting this “cruise liner in the sky” journey doesn’t come cheap.
For a look around the Airlander 10, watch the video below.
