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Hindenburg-Like Airships to Cart Passengers on Trips Again?

by Terrence O'Brien on June 9, 2008 at 10:40 AM



Bizarre as it may seem, the future of air travel may lie in the past. The past few years have seen a resurgence of interest in dirigibles (like blimps) as a way or carting passengers around the world. According to a report in the Guardian, Germany is getting ready to test the Zeppelin NT -- built with an endowment left by the builder of the original Hindenburg -- by flying tourists over London for about $300 a pop. The ship will then cross the Atlantic and the United States and offer similar rides in San Francisco. The company already has one in Tokyo.

Flying tourists over cities is hardly legitimate air travel, but since the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, getting people into an airship has proved difficult. The climbing price of plane tickets and growing concerns over their environmental impact, however, may make airships an attractive option for short-haul commuter flights like those normally served by a ferry or train.

In addition to sipping fuel, the newest generation of airships incorporate technology from a variety of sources, including vector-based thrust like that on the Harrier jet, which enables vertical landings and take-offs.

Airships aren't about to replace the 747, but they may find a niche as inland ferries or as luxury liners in the air. [Source: The Guardian]

Tags: air travel, airship, AirTravel, blimp, breaking news, BreakingNews, dirigible, summernews, travel, zeppelin

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