Kuehne+Nagel and Oregon emergency management office join network to explore use of larger Airlander variants

Global logistics and freight industry players join Airlander Futures Network to
contribute industry insights to guide larger Airlander variant design and specification.
• World-leading logistics provider, Kuehne+Nagel, will participate to explore the use of
Airlander aircraft in their network.
• Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency
Management has joined the network to feed in their needs for the future of disaster
relief.
• Future Airlander variants can scale to provide lift capability of up to 200 tonnes.
Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd (HAV), a UK-based leader in sustainable aircraft technology, has today
launched the Airlander Futures Network – an initiative to bring together all parties interested
in future developments of the Airlander family.
Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics providers with offices in over 100
countries, has joined the network to explore the use of future Airlander variants in their
logistics ecosystem, looking specifically at Airlander’s potential to fill the gap between fast,
carbon-intensive air freight and cheap but slow surface transport.
The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency
Management joins the network today to provide expertise and input on the role larger
Airlander aircraft could play in humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Oregon is a leader in
disaster relief planning, principally because of the threat to the state from Cascadia
Subduction Zone. With the requirement for prepared runways removed and the ability to
carry large payloads for days at a time, future Airlander aircraft could provide a new solution
for disaster relief.
The Airlander Futures Network is a group that allows the logistics, freight, and other key
markets to come together over shared business needs. These global players will contribute
their market expertise and industry insight to drive forward the design and specification of
future Airlander aircraft. The Airlander Futures Network builds on learnings from what was
the Airlander 50 Development Partner Programme.
Airlander 10, HAV’s first aircraft to market, will be capable of delivering 100+ seat passenger
mobility, or a ten-tonne payload of freight transportation, or a combination of the two.
Airlander 10 already has customers, such as leading European regional airline Air Nostrum
Group and eco-tourism brand Grands Espaces. Following this the Airlander design scales
easily into larger variants that could carry up to 200 tonnes. Logistics, freight, and disaster
relief are key markets for the future Airlander aircraft. Having organisations at the cutting
edge of their field joining the Airlander Futures Network means the aircraft will be delivered
to the design and specification that will allow them to carry out their important work
efficiently and cost effectively.
George Land, Executive Director Sales at Hybrid Air Vehicles, said: “The Airlander Futures
Network poses a real opportunity to understand the aspirations of the logistics and freight
market. We believe larger Airlander variants can unlock further growth and efficiency in those
markets. This network lays the groundwork for relationships with industry that will
collaboratively grow to deliver an aircraft that meets their needs and the needs of the planet.
We look forward to working with global players to ensure the design of future aircraft meets
their requirements.”