‘It’s a net zero cargo solution’: could Victoria become home to an airship renaissance?

French startup Flying Whales hopes its airships, which rely on 180,000 cubic metres of helium to fly, will begin operating by the end of 2027. Illustration: Flying Whales

They’re huge, can float through the air and are synonymous with one of history’s most notorious transport disasters – but airships could be set for a cargo-oriented, green renaissance.

French startup Flying Whales has a vision to begin manufacturing its airships – which instead of hydrogen, like the Hindenburg, will rely on 180,000 cubic metres of helium – by 2025 with an eye to gaining regulatory certification to begin operating in skies by the end of 2027.