Construction Commences on Major Airship Manufacturing Facility

Preparatory work has commenced at a site in South Yorkshire designated for the construction and testing of large airships, as confirmed by the aircraft’s manufacturer. The 124 acre (50 hectare) site at Carcroft Common, Doncaster, is projected to have the annual capacity to produce 24 “ultra-low emissions” Airlander 10 airships, each capable of carrying 100 passengers or 10 tonnes of freight, according to Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), the maker. This initial site work and surveying effort follows the first instalment of a £7m loan from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). A spokesperson for HAV described this development as a significant stride towards establishing an innovative facility for assembling fleets of the 320ft (98m) long aircraft. The Bedford-based company also stated that the site is anticipated to generate a minimum of 1,200 new employment opportunities within the region. HAV reported that it has established an office at Cavendish Court in Doncaster, which will serve as a temporary base for its employees as operations commence at the Carcroft Common site. The manufacturer indicated that its initiatives are consistent with the City of Doncaster’s Economic Strategy 2030 and the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, both of which seek to enhance investment via planning, development, and skills assistance. Nick Allman, CEO of HAV, commented: “As well as establishing a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in Doncaster, it will bring with it new opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships in South Yorkshire.” Ros Jones, the Mayor of Doncaster, stated that it was “great news” that the company would “make Doncaster its home.” She further added, “Its presence in the city is an exciting first step in the next generation of air technology.” “This development will bring substantial investment and create highly skilled job opportunities, further strengthening Doncaster’s position as a hub for innovation and industry.” Concurrently, Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, remarked that the commencement of work at Carcroft Common signifies the establishment of a “world leading centre for sustainable aviation” in the locality. He also stated, “I have already committed to doing what we can to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, creating a sustainable aviation hub at the centre of sustainable air travel.” An earlier prototype of the Airlander 10, measuring 302ft (92m) in length and costing £32m, completed six successful test flights from 2016 to 2017. It was subsequently retired in November 2017 after an incident where it broke its moorings and self-deflated.