Preparations are underway at Carcroft Common, Doncaster, for the production of the Airlander 10, a cutting-edge hybrid aircraft capable of carrying 100 passengers or 10 tonnes of freight. Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), the company behind the project, has begun surveys and ground investigations as part of a £7m loan agreement with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
The 50-hectare site will serve as a state-of-the-art facility for assembling, testing, and certifying Airlander 10 aircraft, with plans to produce up to 24 per year. The project is expected to generate over 1,200 highly-skilled green jobs, boost the regional economy, and establish South Yorkshire as a leader in sustainable aviation.
Nick Allman, COO of HAV, stated:
“This is a major step in creating a pioneering facility to assemble fleets of Airlander 10 aircraft, as well as establishing a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in Doncaster.”
The project aligns with the City of Doncaster’s Economic Strategy 2030 and the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, focusing on advanced manufacturing and green technology. An office in Doncaster City Centre has already opened to strengthen ties with the local community while construction progresses at Carcroft Common.
Mayor Ros Jones described the development as a boost for Doncaster’s reputation as an innovation hub, while South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard emphasised the region’s potential to become a global leader in sustainable aviation.
This initiative will be of interest to Retford and Bassetlaw residents, offering potential job opportunities and showcasing advancements in the local region’s economy and technology.
