Doncaster giant airship plant to create 1,200 jobs

The first Airlander 10 will enter service in 2028, it is hoped

An airship maker has announced plans to build the giant vehicles in Doncaster, creating more than 1,200 jobs.

Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) said the Airlander 10 hybrid ship would be built at the Carcroft Common site, with the first set to enter service from 2028.

The 320ft (98m) Airlander 10 is a new type of "ultra-low emissions aircraft" capable of carrying 100 passengers or 10 tonnes of payload, the firm said.

HAV said it would "transform what's possible for sustainable air travel".

Carcroft Common is a 50-hectare site that City of Doncaster Council had earmarked for economic growth.

HAV Chief Executive Tom Grundy said: "Our vision to rethink clean flight has been met with robust support at every step of the way by City of Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire region.

"We look forward to working closely with the community as we launch our production programme and progress this extraordinary project."

Hybrid Air Vehicles hopes to make 24 airships a year

HAV said it would "work closely with important regional partners" like the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the Doncaster University Technical College.

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: "The City of Doncaster is at the forefront of embracing new technology to drive growth and this proposed Hybrid Air Vehicles site is not only part of our ambitious growth strategy but also our pioneering climate change ambitions."

Subject to planning approval, it is hoped there will be capacity to make 24 airships a year, and the first is set to enter service from 2028 with Spanish airline Air Nostrum.

Steve Foxley, of the University of Sheffield, said it was "a big moment for South Yorkshire and one to be proud of".

He added: "This investment not only brings high-value jobs and new supply chain opportunities but it marks a strong signal of confidence in advanced manufacturing and the new South Yorkshire Investment Zone."

The Airlander 10 prototype carried out six successful test flights between 2016 and 2017, before being retired after breaking its moorings and self-deflating in November 2017.