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Abstract
Until the outbreak of the Second World War, uncertainty existed whether airships and airplanes would
dominate intercontinental passenger transportation. The massive investments in fi xed-wing aircraft
during these hostilities made airplanes the decisive winner, and relegated airships to a negligible
role in transportation. As the 21st Century progresses, airships are making a comeback fueled by the
growing demand for air cargo, the unique environmental and operational characteristics of buoyant
flight, and advances in engineering science and materials.
This paper examines the market niche for airships that exists between air and marine transport
and the inherent advantages and disadvantages of this mode of transportation. The economics of
airships are considered in light of their past achievements and current designs. The paper concludes
with the discussion of two potential applications. A long haul mission for airships between Hawaii
and the U.S. mainland is considered for perishable freight, and a short haul mission for airships in
northern Canada is considered for the transport of freight and passengers to remote communities.