Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) has established HAV USA, a subsidiary that will focus on the development of the Airlander aircraft in the U.S. market, with a particular focus on commercial and cargo operations. The subsidiary will be led by John Schumacher, who previously spent 16 years at NASA and serves as President of the International Academy of Astronautics.
“Establishing a presence in the United States marks a new chapter in our international journey,” said Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles. “We’re excited to bring our vision to new audiences and forge deeper partnerships across borders. I am pleased to have John Schumacher on board to lead this new expansion and look forward to realising the tremendous opportunities present in the U.S. and the Americas.”
“It’s a great honour to lead HAV USA,” commented Schumacher, President of Hybrid Air Vehicles USA. “Airlander brings to the United States an aircraft whose roots and future are British and American – it embodies an unsurpassed combination of trans-Atlantic aerospace innovation. Airlander will provide capabilities vital to US national security and commerce. Exciting days lie ahead!”
Airlander 10, HAV’s first commercial aircraft, is currently in the final stages of planning for production. It has a capacity of over 100 passengers or a ten-tonne payload for cargo. It has garnered interest from a range of commercial and defence operators, such as Air Nostrum Group, which ordered 20 aircraft from HAV in 2023.
Photo: HAV
