A rigid airship is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2026 to showcase a sustainable and zero-emissions mode of transportation. Developed by Euro Airship, Solar Airship One will be propelled, as its name implies, solely by solar power during the day and by hydrogen fuel cells at night.

The craft will undertake the first zero-emission, non-stop airship trip around the world in 2026. Source: Solar Airship One

The 151 m-long airship has a helium expansion volume of 53,000 m³ in 15 storage units and an envelope covered with 4,800 m² of solar films. Excess solar energy harvested during the day will be consumed at night to drive electrolysis systems and yield hydrogen for fuel cell consumption. The designers predict Solar Airship One to have 80% less fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions than conventional aircraft.

[See also: How airships can cut emissions and give the hydrogen economy a lift]

The first flight will take 20 days to travel all the way around the equator, some 40,000 km, at an average altitude of 6,000 m. After the tour, Euro Airship expects to pursue full-type certification and has partnered with Capgemini Engineering for the design and manufacturing phases. As part of the collaboration, Capgemini will create a digital twin of the airship.