This sure beats economy class on a 747.
A privately-funded California firm is developing a new vehicle for air travel called the Aeroscraft. An airship the length of two football fields elevated by 14 million cubic feet of helium, the Aeroscraft has the potential to revolutionize air travel and add a new dimension of luxury. Yes, travel would be slower, but far more comfortable. It’s intended for travelers who are more concerned with the journey than with the destination.
“It’s a sort of flying Queen Mary 2 that could change the way you think about air travel,” explains CNN. “It’s the Aeroscraft, and when it’s completed, it will ferry pampered passengers across continents and oceans as they stroll leisurely about the one-acre cabin or relax in their well-appointed staterooms.
“The craft would have a range of several thousand miles and, with an estimated top speed of 174 miles per hour, could traverse the continental U.S. in about 18 hours.
“During the flight, passengers would peer at national landmarks just 8,000 feet below or, if they weren’t captivated by the view, the cavernous interior would easily accommodate such amenities as luxury staterooms, restaurants, even a casino.”
A prototype is expected to be complete by 2010.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Hybrid Airships
- The development of hybrid airships offers an alternative mode of air transportation that could potentially revolutionize luxury travel.
- Luxury Travel
- The use of hybrid airships could change the way people think about air travel by emphasizing the journey rather than just the destination.
- Amenities in Transit
- The cavernous interiors of hybrid airships give rise to the possibility of incorporating luxury amenities such as restaurants and casinos during transit.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Aerospace
- The aerospace industry could capitalize on the development of hybrid airships and potentially offer a new mode of air transportation for luxury customers.
- Hospitality and Leisure
- The hospitality and leisure industry could make use of luxury staterooms and amenities in hybrid airships to offer a unique travel experience.
- Entertainment and Gaming
- The entertainment and gaming industry could incorporate casinos and other amenities in hybrid airships to offer one-of-a-kind experiences for patrons.
