Flight shaming has become a huge movement in the battle against climate change but one Swedish Company has taken inspiration from our past to offer a sustainable once in a lifetime expedition to the North Pole by reintroducing the airship …
It was back in May 1926 that the first airship visited the North Pole on board was the famed Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen and Italian engineer Umberto Nobile following a successful expedition the pair fell out and Umberto Nobile embarked upon an ill-fated solo journey which resulted in his airship crashing several members died and Nobile had to wait six weeks before he was rescued. During this time Amundsen had taken part in an international search but sadly he was never seen again and that was the last time an airship flew over the North Pole until now!
OceanSky have revealed plans for a pioneering expedition from Svalbard “the land of the bears” to the North Pole aboard the first ever hybrid aircraft -The Airlander 10. Unlike any other aircraft the Airlander 10 is the world’s largest flying vehicle measuring approx. 100meter in length driven forward by four propellers and powered by both diesel-and electric.
Likened to an ocean liner of the sky the Airlander 10 can carry up to 16 passengers and has been furnished like a five-star hotel with large panoramic windows and spacious cabins. There is also viewing areas equipped with panoramic windows and transparent floors, perfect for gazing at the Northern Lights or for low-altitude whale watching.
Travelling at speeds of 50knots the 36 hour cruise will also include an arctic inspired menu prepared on board by an award-winning chef. Upon arrival at the North Pole passengers will be able to experience a day excursion on the arctic plains guided by acclaimed Arctic expert and climate activist Robert Swan.
"The expedition to the North Pole is for the traveler who wants to experience the Arctic in a unique way, and at the same time contribute to the development of sustainable travel." says Carl-Oscar Lawaczeck, CEO and founder of OceanSky.
The airship’s first commercial flight is planned for 2023 with tickets priced from $64,000 for a two bedroom cabin. Tickets for the maiden voyage are by invitation only, to register your interest visit www.oceansky.se
Images provided courtesy of Ocean Sky
