Early on Friday 17th November 2017, Hybrid Air Vehicles' (HAV) highly trained test team sprang into action and Airlander was expertly guided into the sky by Chief Test Pilot Dave Burns on her sixth test flight, the first in this next stage of expanded flight tests.

"We're thrilled to have commenced the next round of testing; our world class team have really done well and we can't wait to showcase Airlander across the UK in coming months." – Steve McGlennan, CEO

Airlander has now embarked upon the 2nd phase of test-flying, known as Airworthiness Release 2a (AWR2a). Having EASA, our regulator, validate the flight test data so far and agree that we are safe to fly in a wider range of conditions is an important moment in Airlander's journey. AWR2a permits Airlander to fly higher (up to 7000 feet), faster (up to 50 knots) and further away from its airfield (up to 75 nautical miles away), but most crucially allows her to undertake display and demonstration activity.

A number of modifications were carried out in preparation for this next phase of testing; the most noticeable change is the fairing attached between the hull and the mission module, which will reduce drag at the higher speeds at which the Airlander will be travelling.

Chief Test Pilot Dave Burns was joined by Andrew Barber, as Flight Test Engineer (Andrew's full working title is Airworthiness and Flight Safety Engineer), whilst Allistair McDicken, Interim Head of Flight Test Organisation & Lead Flight Test Engineer, looked on from the ground.

"It was a fantastic new flying experience and I am very excited about soon being able to fly on the Airlander around the UK and share some of that thrill with more of the country." Said Andrew Barber, who was on board the Airlander for the very first time today.