However, the worldwide demand for air transport is expected to double within twenty years. Clearly, an alternative or additional air transport system is needed.
Airships are simple, inexpensive, and safe.
Airships are still slow, cumbersome, and dependent upon unique ground handling facilities and operations. Current average design speeds of approximately 75mph cruise are to slow, and actually lag behind the cruise speed of l930's Zeppelin technology. The materials out of which airships are made must be able to withstand the same types of weather exposures and wear as airplanes. Airships cannot continue to require large hangers for storage. The costs of huge hangers can actually exceed the cost of the airships themselves.