Hybrid Air Freighters, based in Paris, and Columbia Helicopters, in Oregon, have agreed to team up to operate a fleet of 12 airships to be built by Lockheed Martin. In a joint news release issued earlier this month, the companies said the airships will provide “high performance and innovative logistical services” for the oil and gas industries, as well as mining and large-scale construction sectors. The ships will transport both freight and personnel in remote areas. No significant ground-based infrastructure is required, and the airships can land on any type of surface, hovercraft-style.

HAF, a partner with the aircraft manufacturer Daher, agreed to buy the hybrid air freighters from Lockheed Martin for about $500 million, according to a June 2017 story in Air Cargo World. Each aircraft carries up to 21 tons in a 60-foot-long cargo bay.

By Mary Grady , Contributing editor | September 26, 2018