The text discusses the emerging trend of building futuristic blimps, airships, and hot-air balloons as a means of transportation. These lighter-than-air vehicles (LTAs) use helium to achieve lift and hover in the air without burning fuel. While they have faced safety concerns since the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, some companies argue that modern LTAs can be safe and contribute to cutting down carbon emissions. Startups like LTA Research, Flying Whales, and Sceye are working on developing LTAs for various purposes, including cargo transportation, broadband connectivity, and monitoring air quality. There are also plans to use LTAs for human transportation on less-served and rural routes. However, safety concerns and weather conditions pose challenges to the widespread use of LTAs. Overall, the text highlights the potential of LTAs in the transportation industry and their role in promoting environmental sustainability in the aviation sector.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big blimp boom | Shift from airplanes to LTAs | Increased use of LTAs | Reduction in carbon emissions |
| LTAs for transportation and cargo | Adoption of LTAs for transport | Increased use of LTAs for transit | Reduction in carbon emissions |
| Sceye’s stratospheric LTA | Use LTAs for broadband and tracking | LTAs used for communication & monitoring | Improved connectivity and monitoring |
| LTAs for human transportation | Adoption of LTAs for human transit | Increased use of LTAs for travel | Improved accessibility in rural areas |
| Overcoming safety concerns | Addressing safety issues | Safer and more reliable LTAs | Improved technology and design |
| LTA technology still in development | Continued development of LTAs | Increased availability of LTAs | Advancements in technology |
| Corporate climate agenda | Push for climate action | Increased corporate climate action | Recognition of climate change impact |
| Rewilding movement | Restoring natural ecosystems | Increased focus on rewilding | Preservation of biodiversity |
| Heat pumps for homes | Adoption of heat pumps | Increased use of heat pumps | Transition to cleaner technologies |
| Engineering climate-saving trees | Supercharging trees for carbon absorption | Enhanced carbon absorption by trees | Climate change mitigation |