The concept of flying yachts, once relegated to the realms of imagination, is steadily becoming a tangible reality. As the 2022 Superyacht Design Festival approaches, BOAT magazine sits down with Guillaume Hoddé, co-founder of AirYacht, and Franck Darnet, the yacht's designer, to delve into an innovative concept set to grace the skies by 2026.
AirYacht, a Swiss innovation poised to revolutionize luxury travel, is unveiling a new, exclusively airborne model. Originally conceived as a hybrid with a detachable yacht, this redesigned airship has evolved into a full-time aerial lounge, expanding passenger capacity and travel capabilities.
Guillaume Hoddé, CEO and co-founder of AirYacht, emphasizes that this transformation enhances the airship's ability to accommodate more guests and extend cruising durations. "Living in the air was our founding dream," Hoddé remarks. At 500 feet above ground, travelers can immerse themselves in their surroundings in a uniquely immersive way, unmatched by any other form of travel.
The AirYacht's groundbreaking design comprises two separate modules: a 200-meter helium-filled airship attached to an ultra-lightweight all-carbon 52-meter superyacht residence. Capable of flying between 100 to 3,000 meters above the ground with an autonomous cruising time of around one week, this innovative airship offers unparalleled flexibility and freedom.
Each module boasts its own complement of crew, with the airship staffed by three crew members and the residence by 12. The residence component resembles a traditional superyacht layout, featuring three decks, 750 square meters of indoor space, and amenities such as a gym, sauna, swimming pool, and touch-and-go helipad.
Construction of the AirYacht has already commenced, with several subsystem prototypes nearing completion. Hoddé anticipates initial flight tests in 2026, aiming for a commercial launch by 2028. The envisioned journeys range from majestic polar expeditions to serene cruises over scenic landscapes, promising passengers a new perspective on world travel.
The AirYacht's aerodynamic shape and low weight are crucial design elements, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Although initially powered by hybrid technology, the company aims to transition to a fully hydrogen-powered system by 2030, aligning with sustainability goals.
Facing competition from other airship developers, AirYacht is poised to lead the way in luxury air travel. With its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, AirYacht sets new standards for high-end, sustainable tourism in the skies, promising passengers unparalleled luxury and adventure in the realm of flying yachts.
