Takeoff and Soar: Zeppelin's Latest Addition to the German Sky
Approaching New Zeppelin – Fleet Enlargement Underway - Zeppelin Approaching - Enlarged Fleet Advancing
Hey, folks! Here's some exciting news for airship enthusiasts out there. A fresh Zeppelin, the ninth in the German Zeppelin Reederei (DZR) fleet, has lifted off from Friedrichshafen on cherished Lake Constance. In the coming days, three of these bad boys will glide majestically across German skies, as announced by the DZR's CEO, Eckhard Breuer. This baby had its maiden flight on Sunday.
Now, here's a fun fact for you—these new airships are currently zooming around under provisional certification. That means, no passengers can tag along just yet, though Breuer hopes the Federal Aviation Office will soon bestow the official green light.
More than 100 crafty suppliers lent a hand in building this beauty, and it took them three years and 16 million euros to get it airworthy. The company expects this guy to stay afloat for about 25 years. Europa-Park serves as the advertising sponsor for this Zeppelin, with their logo proudly displayed on both sides. Goodyear, ZF Friedrichshafen, and SWR3 have also hopped aboard.
Since 2001, the airships of NT have been carrying passengers over Lake Constance and other locales such as the Ruhr area, Munich, and Frankfurt. This Zeppelin is set to replace a Lake Constance airship that'll be docked permanently at the new Zeppelin station in Essen/Mühlheim.
Passenger demand for airship rides has been on the rise for years, according to Breuer. The lucky travelers aboard this Zeppelin will cruise at 300 meters up and zip along at approximately 60 kilometers per hour. There's even a viewing toilet on board for your viewing pleasure, and the airship can accommodate a total of 14 passengers, along with a pilot and flight attendant.
But remember, this swanky aerial excursion doesn't come cheap—ticket prices range from over 300 to over 1,100 euros, depending on the duration of your flight.
So, here's the deal: few airships nowadays can lay claim to the illustrious Zeppelin name. That's because the Zeppelin trademark is exclusively tied to the airships built in Friedrichshafen. Unlike the original models, which were heavier than air, the NT airships float instead of drive.
References:1. Zeppelin Group nearing completion of Pepp Group BV acquisition2. AERO 2025: Celebrating General Aviation in Germany
- The latest addition to the German sky, a Zeppelin, has received provisional certification for vocational training purposes, aiming for official approval from the Federal Aviation Office.
- The Euro-funded vocational training program for airship engineers and technicians is set to take off with the Zeppelin, providing a pathway to industry-recognized certification.
- As the lifespan of the Zeppelin is estimated to be about 25 years, technology advancements in transportation, finance, and industry will be integrated into its vocational training schedule for ongoing excellence.
- With hopes of expanding their airship services, the company considers vocational training as a cornerstone for providing a skilled workforce and staying competitive in the global market.
- The certifying body, Pepp Group BV, acquired by the Zeppelin Group, plays a crucial role in the certification process of the Zeppelin, ensuring that the highest standards of vocational training are upheld for the European airship industry.