PRESS RELEASE: Straightline Aviation takes flight with landmark $50 million purchase of cutting-edge hybrid airship technology
London, 3rd March 2025
In a major milestone for the aviation industry, Straightline Aviation has placed a $50 million hybrid airship order with AT² Aerospace, the Lockheed Martin spin-out pioneering advanced hybrid airship technology.
The purchase marks a significant step forward in sustainable aviation and remote logistics, reinforcing Straightline Aviation’s position as leader of the next generation of air transport solutions. The Z1 hybrid airship is designed for low-emission, long-range operations and is set to transform cargo transport, humanitarian aid missions and disaster relief in hard-to-reach locations worldwide.
Mike Kendrick, Chairman and Co-Founder of Straightline Aviation, said: “With decades of experience in airship operations, we understand exactly what it takes to deliver reliable, efficient and sustainable transport solutions. The Z1 hybrid airship is the culmination of years of innovation, and our team’s expertise ensures we can maximise its potential to meet our clients’ needs. Whether it’s remote logistics or humanitarian aid, this aircraft gives us an unprecedented capability to operate in areas where traditional aviation simply cannot.'“
Mark Dorey, CEO of Straightline Aviation, said: “This is a defining moment for Straightline Aviation and the global logistics industry. The Z1 is a game-changer, offering a flexible, cost-efficient, sustainable solution for delivering goods and services to remote communities where traditional transport is impractical or environmentally disruptive. The Z1 has multiple applications across numerous regions of the world, including cargo delivery, oil, gas and mining operations support and, crucially, the delivery of humanitarian aid. Our partnership with AT² Aerospace combines unrivalled airship operations experience with extensive technical expertise and ensures we are at the forefront of this new era of aviation.”
Straightline Aviation, known for its deep knowledge of airship operations, is committed to realising its clients’ transport goals and improving the lives of millions of people around the world through providing sustainable, commercially-viable alternatives to conventional transport. The Z1 hybrid airship requires minimal infrastructure while drastically reducing fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs compared to conventional aircraft.
AT² Aerospace CEO Dr. Bob Boyd said, “This is a seminal moment in sustainable aviation. Our hybrid airships will transform cargo transport by providing an environmentally responsible solution while maintaining operational efficiency. We are excited to partner with Straightline Aviation to deliver this landmark order.”
Delivery of the first Z1 hybrid airship is expected in 2028, with initial operational deployments planned for humanitarian and remote cargo missions in Brazil, Alaska and northern Canada.
For media inquiries, exclusive interviews, further images or additional information, please contact:
Nick Rogers
Communications Manager, Straightline Aviation
nrogers.straightline@gmail.com, +44(0)7843 225 805
www.straightlineaviation.com
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About Straightline Aviation
Straightline Aviation is an international company, headquartered in the UK, at the forefront of hybrid airship operations, providing sustainable, cost-efficient and flexible transport solutions for commercial and humanitarian needs. Founded by some of the most experienced airship operators in the world, the company is dedicated to bringing innovative, low-carbon aviation to the global market
About AT² Aerospace
AT² Aerospace, a Lockheed Martin spin-out, is a pioneering aerospace company dedicated to commercializing hybrid airships and revolutionizing the cargo transportation industry, through sustainable practices and ground-breaking innovations. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to environmental stewardship, AT 2 Aerospace aims to shape the future of cargo transportation and create a more sustainable aviation ecosystem.
