By Maria Kalamatas | March 25, 2025 | The Logistic News
Logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) has joined the growing list of forward-thinking companies collaborating with Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) to explore the potential of next-generation airships as a transformative solution in sustainable air cargo.
K+N becomes the latest member of HAV’s Airlander Futures Network, a strategic initiative bringing together global logistics, freight, and humanitarian organizations to guide the development of Airlander aircraft—a new class of low-emissions hybrid airships.
The network aims to fill a crucial gap in the transport ecosystem: providing an alternative between fast but carbon-intensive air freight and cost-effective but slow surface transport.
“With the requirement for prepared runways removed and the ability to carry large payloads for days at a time, future Airlander aircraft could provide a new solution for disaster relief,” HAV said in a statement.
Supporting this vision, the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management has also joined the network, contributing valuable expertise on the use of larger Airlander aircraft for humanitarian aid and disaster response in hard-to-reach areas.
George Land, Executive Director of Sales at HAV, emphasized the importance of collaboration:
“The Airlander Futures Network poses a real opportunity to understand the aspirations of the logistics and freight market. We believe larger Airlander variants can unlock further growth and efficiency in those markets. This network lays the groundwork for relationships with industry that will collaboratively grow to deliver an aircraft that meets their needs—and the needs of the planet.”
HAV’s first aircraft, the Airlander 10, is designed to carry a 10-tonne freight payload or more than 100 passengers, and is already attracting attention from customers including Air Nostrum Group and eco-tourism brand Grands Espaces.
Looking ahead, HAV aims to scale up to larger models, with future variants envisioned to transport up to 200 tonnes, opening new possibilities for long-range, low-impact freight and aid delivery.
For Kuehne+Nagel, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, the partnership reflects its commitment to sustainability and innovation in air cargo. As the industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize, solutions like Airlander offer a glimpse into a more flexible and environmentally responsible future.
By contributing market expertise and operational insight, members of the Airlander Futures Network—including K+N—are playing a direct role in shaping the future of aviation and sustainable logistics.
