Hot-air airships

Hot-air airships represent a 'low-entry' but highly effective form of airship in particular for the advertising and promotional role. Since the first hot-air airship flew in 1973 they have progressed at an incredible rate to the point where the modern craft are as sleek as any helium airship. They certainly attract as much attention whenever they appear.

There are many advantages with the hot-air airship. Notably the cost, both to purchase and to operate. Just as with a hot-air balloon they gain their buoyancy by the heating of the air inside with propane burners, which is cheaper than helium. And they are very versitile. Like balloon they are inflated where they are needed and then packed away after the flight for easy transportation to a new location by trailer. They can be used to create an eye-catching display at a public event, or at a balloon meet for example, or make an appearance at specific locations as part of a campaign to promote a clients brand.

Hot-air airships have also been invaluable in other roles including aerial photography and filming (some scenes in the BBC's Planet Earth series were filmed in this way) and for special scientific and environmental missions. Probably the most noteworth of these was when scientists used a large hot-air airship to lower an inflatable raft on to the rain forest canopy in Borneo with minimal impact on the fauna and flora they were studying. And in Africa they have been used to study and film the movement of wild animals.

Talk to us about how a hot-air airship campaign can work for your brand.