Flying Whales, a pioneering aerospace company, is propelling the airship industry into the future with its development of a 200-metre-long hybrid-electric helium airship. This ambitious project aims to revolutionize cargo transport by offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional methods. The airship, designed to fill the gap between ocean freighters and fast yet costly airplanes, is set to undergo testing in late 2027 and anticipates commercial deployment by 2029.
In the pursuit of innovation, Flying Whales has secured over 70 pre-commercial agreements with prominent partners like Pratt & Whitney Canada and Honeywell Aerospace. These collaborations underscore the potential and viability of airships as a significant player in the future of transportation. The airship, capable of carrying 60 tonnes of payload, promises minimal fuel consumption while offering vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, making it ideal for accessing remote areas such as northern Canadian communities.
The Quebec government has shown confidence in Flying Whales by investing $77 million into the company's endeavor. This investment will aid in expanding its Montreal team to 300 personnel dedicated to assembling the airship. The innovative design also includes a "modular hospital" concept that fits seamlessly into the cargo bay, highlighting its versatility beyond just cargo transport.
Flying Whales envisions their airship as a complementary transport method, cruising at speeds up to 100 km/h. Lighter-than-air aircraft like theirs could provide a viable solution for transporting essential goods to remote regions, which poses a significant challenge for conventional transportation methods. Barry Prentice, an expert in the field, supports this notion, stating:
“Canada has more to gain from an airship industry than any of them.”
However, challenges persist within the airship industry, particularly due to regulatory restrictions on "lifting gas" in Canada. Hydrogen's flammability has resulted in its ban, compelling companies like Flying Whales to use helium instead. Helium, while safer, is considerably more expensive—up to 70 times more costly than hydrogen—and its price fluctuates significantly. To address this, Flying Whales is innovating by working on solutions to compress helium inside the balloon and utilize water or pressurized air to fill the remaining space.
Despite these hurdles, Flying Whales remains optimistic about overcoming them. Alan Shrimpton acknowledges the challenges with government engagement due to historical mishaps like the Hindenburg disaster:
“Governments are notoriously difficult to engage with because they just remember the Hindenburg.”
Nonetheless, the company continues to press forward, driven by the belief articulated by Arnaud Thioulouse:
“The question is not if there will be such a craft in the air, but when.”
The potential impact of Flying Whales' airship extends beyond Canada. Its ability to traverse Canada's vast landscapes and serve scattered populations could significantly benefit the nation's infrastructure and resource management. The company has also signed a non-binding agreement with Canadian North airline, owned by Inuit communities, to explore the feasibility of using airships for cargo transport above the 60th parallel.
