Growing pains are called that for a reason, or so popular wisdom has it. In the case of the AirYacht, a unique proposal that was meant to revolutionize the billionaire hospitality industry, they've resulted in the loss of an essential part of the original design.
The AirYacht might be described as a revolutionary leisure craft that represents "the encounter of the magical and the pragmatic," but, in reality, it doesn't exist. Yet. The initial plan was to have it in the air and on the water by 2026, but the new timeline mentions a vague 2027-2028 date for the grand opening.
When that happens, the AirYacht will probably have a new name as well since it can no longer be called a "yacht," having lost the second part of the structure that earned it the name – unless, of course, it's meant as a more general descriptor for the luxury, yacht-like amenities that will still be available onboard.
The AirYacht was first introduced in 2022 and earned attention from trade publications both in yachting and aeronautics due to its particular nature that promised multi-functionality – and the kind of versatility that no other luxury craft could boast of. It was, simply put, an airship and superyacht in one, two crafts for different mediums brought together by the minds of two designers and engineers who had founded the AirYacht company years before, in 2017.
Photo: AirYacht
The appeal of the AirYacht was obvious: it would be able to travel around the globe either by air or on water and might even have some applicability for land use, thanks to a system of supports that turned it into a fixed basecamp.
The "rigid airship" would be filled with helium, would know no limits in terms of landing and takeoff infrastructure, and would leave no mark on the environment. Unlike commercial airliners or private jets. Meanwhile, the detachable "residence" would be a 60-foot (18.2-meter) superyacht that could, well, detach from the mothership and continue exploring the world on water.
Hybrid structures of this type aren't exactly a rarity, at least as far as conceptual studies go. In fact, there's one from Lazzarini Design that shares the same name, albeit spelled differently: the Air Yacht, which is described as a flying yacht.
Photo: AirYacht
Unlike the Lazzarini concept, this one seems to be progressing towards becoming a reality, and, in the process, it has lost the detachable superyacht part. CEO Guillaume Hodde tells one media outlet that the company's goal was, from the start, to create a luxury residence in the sky. Admittedly, it doesn't need a detachable superyacht for that.
Version 2.0 of the AirYacht loses the superyacht and gains more volume inside the 656-foot (200-meter) airship, upping guest capacity to as many as 40 with a crew of 12 to cater to all their needs and 3 pilots. The AirYacht is now designed to stay exclusively in the air, but boarding and getting off will be possible without landing, too.
The new design includes a 12-person "elevator," which is exactly what it sounds like: a cabin with a system of cables that allows lowering it to the ground without having the airship touch ground. In theory, that would make exploring remote regions much easier, or having unexpected guests board at a moment's notice.
Photo: AirYacht
The AirYacht would cruise at maximum altitudes of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and have the ability to hover in place, allowing guests the perfect opportunity to take in whatever views they want – for as long as they want to. Apparently, "it is designed to remain autonomous for a week," but there's no mention of what that entails.
Top speed of travel is estimated at 50 knots (57.5 mph/92.6 kph) on hybrid propulsion, but the goal is to render it emissions-free on hydrogen by 2030.
The project is focused on sustainability, too, not just luxury features. AirYacht will strive to make limited use of available resources, integrating energy optimization through AI control of systems, water recycling, and fuel cell tech. Just because it's super-fancy doesn't mean it shouldn't care about our planet, right?
Photo: AirYacht
According to Hodde, the company has already made several prototypes for some of the subsystems, and the plan is to turn the first full-scale prototype into the first airship. Initial flight tests are scheduled for 2026, with a two-year window to bring the airship to the public. This will happen through partnership with various operators, who will first be able to customize the interior layouts according to the use they have in mind for them.
AirYacht, the company, notes that the 8,600 square feet (799 square meters) of available living space will be designed and customized by Franck Darnet Design, which will also handle exterior design. Interior spaces will feature dining and socializing areas, as well as suites and luxury amenities, but there's a hint that they could also be configured in a more commercial-like layout, like what you'd get in a business class cabin.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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