But somehow, the economics never work out. In theory, a large airship could lift bulky items and deliver them to locations inaccessible to conventional cargo aircraft. An airship could hover above a city after a natural disaster to provide communications services. They require no runway, so they can take off and land almost anywhere, and they burn less fuel to get off the ground and stay aloft. Airships have some inherent advantages over conventional aircraft. There is a reason that development efforts persist, however, if only sporadically. But many have not updated their sites in years, and notably, not one of these companies responded to an interview request. Their websites all suggest that airships are a solution for hauling heavy cargo or for sustainable commercial travel, not just for flying advertisements above football games or riesling cruises above the Rhine. At least half a dozen companies are pursuing lighter-than-air transport, with names ranging from the fanciful - Flying Whales - to the formidable - Lockheed Martin. But aside from a few short test voyages, large airships have been a no-show. And an outfit in southern Germany offers tourists scenic zeppelin flights over Lake Constance, Munich and the Rhineland.

The Goodyear blimp still floats above sporting events, although only in Europe for now. Where you won’t commonly see airships is in the sky.

Zeplin vs blimp