Spanish airline reserves 10 Airlander airships from Bedford-based firm

The company behind the Airlander airships said it has received its first commercial order from an airline group. Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) said European-based Air Nostrum Group had reserved 10 Airlander airships for delivery from 2026. HAV, which developed Airlander at Cardington airfield in Bedfordshire, is expected to begin manufacturing in South Yorkshire. The firm said 1,800 jobs would be created as a result of the interest. HAV said Airlander 10 will cut flight emissions by up to 90% for journeys across Air Nostrum's regional routes in Spain. The airships, which stay aloft using helium and electricity, have been commissioned to seat 100 people.According to HAV's website, hybrid aircraft fly due to a combination of aerodynamic lift (like an aeroplane), lifting gases (like an airship) and vectored thrust (similar to a helicopter). Airlander generates up to 40% of its lift from aerodynamics by the passage of air over the hull and the remainder from buoyant lift from the helium.<br/>