Back in June 2007 we reported on the anticipated arrival of the Airship Ventures Zeppelin to the San Francisco Bay Area. And now we hear the arrival of the "big bird" is just a few days away.
One of only three Zeppelins in the world, and the first to come to the United States, the Zeppelin is slated to fly up the coast and over the Golden Gate Bridge this weekend, around October 25th, weather permitting.
This historic flight will mark the first time in 71 years that a Zeppelin has flown in the skies over the United States. This landmark transit flight will also be dedicated to the memory of aviation adventurer Steve Fossett, who set the airship speed record in the Zeppelin -- a record that still stands today. Says Steve Fossett's widow Peggy Fossett, "I am honored that Airship Ventures would dedicate this flight to Steve's memory. He was truly proud to have been part of the Zeppelin project."
Once in the San Francisco Bay Area, the airship will offer the only passenger airship flight service in America. "Flightseeing" tours will be offered from several Bay Area locations, showcasing the San Francisco Bay/Silicon Valley, Sonoma/Napa wine regions, and Monterey/Big Sur coastline.
The airship will also be used for a variety of technological and scientific research missions.Round-trip rides from historic Moffett Field will begin in late October 2008, with flights from Oakland International and Sonoma County Airport starting in November. Tickets start at $495 per person. Packages are available for group charters, corporate events, and custom tours.
Photo above: May 2008 Maiden Flight
Source: Company Press Release
