Brits will soon be able to fly to Spain on world’s biggest aircraft

Ever thought you should get off your backside and book a holiday? Now you can jet off on one as the world's biggest aircraft, nicknamed the 'Flying Bum', is preparing to take off in 2026.

The Airlander 10 is a 300-ft long airship which is said by its British creators, Hybrid Air Vehicles, to produce 'less pollution and noise' as well as having 'massive endurance and cargo-carrying ability' that is set to revolutionise air travel.

Its weirdly provocative, elliptical shape has earned it the name the 'Flying Bum' and the futuristic craft will be able to transport 100 holiday makers to Spanish islands including Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca (a typical Boeing 737-800 carries 189.)

Much like hybrid vehicles on the road, the helium airships will use both aerostatic and aerodynamic lift with a backup of diesel-engine propellers when needed.

The result is ultra-low emissions: 'Hybrid lift and advanced powertrain technologies deliver up to 90% fewer emissions than alternate aircraft,' claim HAV with 'zero emissions flight available by 2030'.

At 300ft long, the craft is roughly the length of a football fitch and the right of six double-decker buses - but this isn't cattle-class travel.

HAV

The luxury, futuristic aircrafts are designed to bring a lost touch of luxury back to air travel.

They feature a spacious passenger cabin and 'floor to ceiling windows' beneath the balloon.

And there's good news for nervous flyers, as its creators claim it's 'significantly less affected by turbulence compared to a traditional passenger jet'.

“It’ll be more like travelling on a cruise ship than a plane,” Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles told the Telegraph in March.

HAV

Predicted to cost £40million, one of the massive draws is that they are going to get rid of the need for airports.

It features six inflatable studs underneath that mean it 'can take off and land on virtually any flat surface, including water'.

HAV announced yesterday (1 September) that Spanish airline group Air Nostrum has 'doubled its commitment' to Airlander 10 to 20 aircraft, allowing the British company to push further into the Med and Balearic islands.

Topics: Technology, UK News, Travel

Amelia Jones