Airlines are progressively pursuing decarbonization, though progress may lag behind what urgency demands. In addition to exploring new fuels and tests with green hydrogen engines, a notable development comes from Air Nostrum, a Spanish carrier, which has ordered a fleet of airships to operate on numerous domestic routes. These quiet, low-emission airships could reappear over the skies of Spain after more than a century, signaling a shift toward greener regional travel.
Hybrid Air Vehicles, a British manufacturer, developed these airships and confirmed that Spain will host their commercial debut through the Air Nostrum partnership, focused on short-haul routes within Spain and connections to other countries. The two companies signed a purchase agreement for ten Airlander 10 airships, which are currently awaiting certification and are expected to begin operations soon.
Once certification is secured, it is anticipated that by 2026 ten Airlander 10s will be in regular domestic service across Spain.
But what exactly is this aircraft? Is it the same as the airships seen in classic films and documentaries? The answer is largely yes, though it incorporates a century of advances in technology and safety that have modernized this design since it fell out of common use.
This Airlander 10 is a contemporary helium-powered airship that fuses elements of airplanes and helicopters. The helium-filled fuselage dramatically reduces fuel needs, cutting consumption by as much as 90 percent compared with a traditional airplane.
How far can it fly? The aircraft’s empty range does not fall below 7,400 kilometers, and its top speed reaches about 130 kilometers per hour. These figures reflect the current internal combustion engines used by this model. By 2025, the company plans a hybrid variant that bridges toward an all-electric propulsion by 2030. This shift will likely reduce performance but will extend autonomy up to roughly 350 kilometers, shrinking the gap to conventional regional aircraft for many routes.
For routes between nearby cities or islands, such a system could offer compelling options. The ability to operate from smaller airfields could unlock new connections that rely less on major airports.
You won’t need big airports
Its capabilities include takeoff and landing in constrained spaces, enabling up to 100 passengers to reach regions lacking full airport infrastructure. Passengers travel in a roomy cabin that maintains comfortable pressure during lower-altitude flight and remains smooth despite engine vibrations.
“We are pursuing every available path to shrink our carbon footprint. This has been a priority for years, and the Airlander 10 could significantly lower emissions, which is why this agreement with Hybrid Air Vehicles makes sense. Sustainability is already central to commercial aviation, and deals like this push decarbonization goals aligned with legislative frameworks such as Fit for 55”, explained Carlos Bartomeu, president of Air Nostrum.
Tom Grundy, general manager of Hybrid Air Vehicles, described Airlander 10 as a building block for a future where sustainable air services enable new travel corridors and faster growth opportunities for customers. The collaboration with Air Nostrum as the launch airline underscores a vision where the aircraft helps shape future regional networks.
Grundy also noted that European countries such as France, Denmark, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom are pursuing aggressive decarbonization targets for domestic and short-haul flights. The partnership signals how the industry intends to reach those targets while maintaining reliable service. Production of Airlander was slated to begin earlier, with expectations of positive impacts on jobs across the company and its supply chain as the program scales up.
Air Nostrum believes the airship’s features position it well for many routes on Spanish soil, supporting logistics, leisure travel, and even potential surveillance missions in the future. The approach illustrates how innovative transport modes can complement existing networks, creating more resilient and versatile regional systems.
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Environment and public affairs updates will continue to shape how airship technology integrates into broader decarbonization strategies across Europe and beyond. As with any new aviation initiative, safety, regulatory compliance, and practical operations will determine how quickly such concepts move from trial to routine service.