Hybrid Air Vehicles is to build the factory for its Airlander aircraft near Doncaster, UK.
The site at Carcroft Common is expected to employ around 1,200 people for production, testing and certification of the Airlander hybrid aircraft.
Airlander is a mix of airship and fixed-wing aircraft design and technology. The hybrid aircraft generates lift from its helium-filled hull and its wing-like shape and thrust from its four engines.
The first Airlanders are planned to enter service in 2028. The Airlander 10 will have a top speed of 80mph (130km/h) and will be able to stay aloft for five days, carrying 100 passengers or 10 tonnes of payload. First customers include regional airline Air Nostrum, which plans to operate Airlander 10s around the Mediterranean and Spain, and a French Polar tourism company.
Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) plans to produce up to 24 aircraft per year at the site. The company will next apply got planning permission and begin working with the local community and other stakeholders before breaking ground at the 50-hectare site.
The announcement of a production site builds on a previous agreement with the Mayor of Doncaster and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, in March 2023.
Tom Grundy, CEO of HAV said, “Airlander 10 will transform what’s possible for sustainable air travel, and Carcroft Common will deliver the flagship production centre we need to do that, creating over 1,200 jobs and a £1 billion per annum export. 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 program and progress this extraordinary project.”
HAV will also work closely with regional partners such as the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, and the Doncaster UTC (university technical college).
Steve Foxley, CEO of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, said, “Hybrid Air Vehicles choosing to base its production of Airlander 10 in our region is a big moment for South Yorkshire and one to be proud of. 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 AMRC has worked closely with Hybrid Air Vehicles since 2021 on research linked to its Airlander 10 programme, bringing together our expertise on low emissions propulsion, large composite structures and supporting manufacturing technologies.
“To have Hybrid Air Vehicles putting its production footprint in South Yorkshire is a real boost to the region’s capability and reputation, helping to grow our green manufacturing cluster, and building on the research and development that is being led by the wider University of Sheffield into sustainable air travel, energy, and how we transition to a low-carbon economy.”
