World’s Largest Airship Heading for U.S.

October 1, 2008 —The largest airship in the world has left Germany aboard a container ship and is crossing the Atlantic Ocean to get to its new home — the San Francisco Bay area. Click here to track its trip. The 246-foot long airship — Airship Ventures’ Zeppelin NT07 — will be used for daily sight seeing flights, advertising operations, corporate and event occasions and scientific missions. Operations will begin in November from Moffett Field, North Oakland and Sonoma County airports. The Zeppelin, which will cruise at an altitude of 1,200 feet at 35 to 40 mph, features expansive window panels that give up to 12 travelers 360-degree views. It is more than 50 feet longer than the largest blimp. "There is nothing quite like a ride in the Zeppelin," said Brian Hall, Airship Ventures president. "Imagine being gently lifted into the sky, a birds-eye view of life 1,000 feet below. You will gain a new perspective of our world, and your place within it. We call it an "Altitude Adjustment." One of only three such Zeppelins in the world — and the first to come to the United States — the airship is expected to arrive at the port of Beaumont, Texas on or around October 12. The ship will then be off-loaded, and after some re-assembly and flight checks, flown through Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before entering California at Banning Pass. Traveling up the coast for a dramatic San Francisco entrance through the Golden Gate Bridge, it will then land at its new home — the historic airship hangars of Moffett Field — about two weeks later. Scenic "flight-seeing" tours will be offered aboard the Zeppelin from several Bay Area locations, with itineraries showcasing the San Francisco Bay/Silicon Valley, Sonoma/Napa wine regions, and Monterey/Big Sur coastline. Ticket prices are based on duration and destination and start at $495 per person. The airship was manufactured in Germany by Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH and made its maiden flight on May 21. It received FAA authorization on June 26. Airship Ventures' future business plans include the addition of a second Zeppelin airship, to be based on the U.S. east coast, followed by a third Zeppelin devoted to air shows, special events and scientific research missions.

Airship Ventures’ Zeppelin NT07 will make the San Francisco Bay area its new home. The Zeppelin will have a crew of two and can take up to 12 passengers on flights. The Zeppelin isn’t a new idea, but uses new technology. All photos courtesy: Airship Ventures

• 2009 - 01/05 - See Blue Angels, Thunderbirds in 2009
• 2008 - 12/22 - First Flight For White Knight Two
• 2008 - 12/16 - Send e-Greeting to ISS Crew
• 2008 - 12/16 - Mission Accomplished for Mars Orbiter
• 2008 - 12/08 - Duo Nears End of ‘Dash For a Cure’