Airships of the future: what futuristic air transport will look like in the 21st century

In the 20th century, airships became symbols of progress and comfort. These pioneering aircraft, capable of transporting passengers over long distances, represented the pinnacle of technology. With the advancement of aviation, airships fell out of commercial use, but their technologies were neither forgotten nor lost.

In Russia, airship engineers never abandoned the dream of returning to the skies. Today, they are ready to bring their developments to life and present the new generation airships to the world.

According to research by HTF Market Intelligence, the airship market will grow at an average annual rate of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030. Airships have the potential to become indispensable in cargo transportation, passenger travel, and tourism. Companies around the world are working on airship projects. For instance, ATG and Worldwide Aeros are developing high-capacity cargo airships, while AERONOVA is implementing the "New Generation Airships'" project, ranging from lightweight stratospheric aerostats to rigid heavy-lift cargo airships.

Demand for transportation is growing, placing significant pressure on existing transport systems. The construction of roads, airports, and railways requires considerable expenditure and time, making traditional transportation methods less efficient. Increasing carbon dioxide emissions negatively impact the environment.

Existing modes of transport cannot offer suitable solutions under these conditions.

Railway transport can reliably deliver large volumes of cargo over long distances, minimizing delays. However, transportation by rail is time-consuming, not all regions have a developed railway network, and constructing new lines is expensive.

Aviation transport swiftly moves cargo and passengers over vast distances. However, aircraft and helicopters incur high fuel costs and significantly impact the environment through carbon dioxide emissions.

Road transport offers flexibility in routing and door-to-door cargo delivery. However, passenger and freight vehicles pollute the atmosphere, require extensive infrastructure, and have limitations on cargo volume.

Maritime transport provides an economically advantageous way to transport large volumes of cargo, but not every destination is equipped with the necessary infrastructure for unloading.

New generation airships will be able to cover long distances with minimal environmental impact. Although their speed is lower than that of cars and airplanes, their ability to remain airborne for extended periods without refueling and their independence from complex ground infrastructure compensate for this drawback, making airships a beneficial and attractive mode of transport for both passenger and cargo transportation.

Throughout most of the 20th century, the idea of reviving airships seemed utopian. The technological level was insufficient to create strong yet lightweight hulls, control systems, and reliable engines. With the arrival of the 21st century, everything changed.

Today, unique materials such as carbon fiber and Kevlar have been developed, offering exceptional strength at minimal weight. Manufacturing airships from these materials reduces structural weight, enhances durability, and increases resistance to external factors.

Artificial intelligence and autopilot systems developed over the past 10 years open up opportunities for improving airship efficiency and safety. Automated systems can continuously monitor movement, calculate optimal routes, track equipment condition, and instantly adapt to weather changes.

Advances in energy technology will enable the creation of hybrid engines combining fuel with solar and wind energy. For example, installing solar panels on the airship's hull will provide an additional source of electricity, extending flight range and duration without harming the environment.

Thanks to these innovations, airships are returning to the skies, poised to become a reliable, safe, and environmentally friendly means of transportation.

In science fiction films, such as "Star Wars" and "Cloud Atlas," airships resemble spacecraft or revolutionary new modes of transport.

The "Hindenburg" airship, which existed in the last century, was a marvel of engineering, combining technical progress with the refined comfort of first-class air travel.

Modern technologies are elevating the concept of comfortable travel to an entirely new level. The use of lightweight composites and innovative engineering solutions will help realize the dreams of science fiction authors, creating passenger airships with transparent walls offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, onboard winter gardens, and even swimming pools. While airships will retain their recognizable shapes and designs, their functionality will significantly improve, enhancing aerodynamic performance.

Branded airships may soon appear in the skies. Some companies are already considering adapting airships to display brand logos, slogans, and advertisements. In the future, such airships could become part of the urban landscape. Companies that are first to use airships for marketing purposes will be able to create lasting associations between their brands and airships, similar to the iconic Coca-Cola truck.

In Russia, the first airship of the future can already be seen—the unmanned airship NOVA-01 by AERONOVA. This snow-white aircraft, emblazoned with the lettering "AERONOVA," is currently undergoing its initial flight tests, demonstrating excellent results and signaling to the world that a new era of airships has already begun.

The new generation airship differs significantly from outdated predecessors:

• Automated control: GPS systems, automatic stabilization, wind and pressure control assist the pilot in maintaining precise navigation.

• Low operational costs in the air: energy is consumed only during maneuvering and propulsion, making airships effective transport solutions in areas where traditional delivery methods are economically unsuitable.

• Rapid assembly: thanks to modular construction, digital design, and computer modeling. Companies developing airships, including the Russian company AERONOVA, implement digital tools that accelerate the design and manufacturing processes.

• Ease of operation: airships do not require special airfields, can take off from any surface, and repairs can even be carried out in field conditions.

• High capacity and payload: airships can transport heavy cargo, including industrial equipment, construction modules, vehicles, and much more.

The capabilities of next-generation airships transform them from futuristic images into practical solutions addressing the technical and economic challenges of our time.

Concept of the flying tourist airship AirYacht by a Swiss company. This airship, measuring 200 meters in length and 50 meters in height, will be driven by an engine capable of speeds up to 90 kilometers per hour. AirYacht is planned to travel from polar regions to African savannas and the lush countryside of France. The first flight tests of the airship are scheduled for 2026.

"New Generation Airships" project by the Russian company AERONOVA.

In June 2025, the Russian company AERONOVA conducted the first flight tests of the NOVA-01 airship as part of the "New Generation Airships" project. The NOVA-01 airship ascends to altitudes of up to 1,000 meters above sea level, achieves speeds of up to 80 km/h, and can carry cargo weighing up to 50 kg. Testing of the NOVA-02 model will begin soon; it will be capable of reaching altitudes of up to 2,000 meters, transporting cargo weighing up to 500 kg, and traveling distances of up to 500 km.

This reality has already arrived. The company AERONOVA is reviving airship construction in collaboration with leading research centers and universities, such as the Engineering Center "Stratospheric Systems" at Bauman Moscow State Technical University and Moscow Aviation Institute. Within the "New Generation Airships" project, AERONOVA plans to implement both manned and unmanned models within the next 3–5 years.

The "New Generation Airships" project is being implemented through crowdinvesting, also known as public funding. Investors and partners from various countries already support the project and are becoming part of this story. The company plans to complete the project's financing, move to serial production, and start paying dividends to investors within the next 3–5 years.

You can support the project and become a co-owner of a business revolutionizing aviation. Alternatively, you can start earning with the project immediately by joining as a partner. Learn more about opportunities available for partners and investors here.