Ever since the Zeppelin NT started with it's passenger service in Japan this winter, there has been quite some coverage. Today we would like to take you around the articles that have been written about the Zeppelin NT with the registration JA101Z. We have covered the Japanese airship already a few times last year. in June, July and November 2007 but let's look at what we haven't covered yet.It will be operating over the Osaka area for 19 days from March 20, 2008 to May 7th.Head over to www.zeppelintours.com operated by John Christopher who also operates Airship Initiatives. Check out his Website for everything about travelling with airships and especially the Zeppelin NT.
There are three flight routes:Often described as Japan's second city, Osaka is approximately 250 miles to the southwest of Tokyo. It has its west side open to Osaka Bay, and is otherwise completely surrounded by over ten smaller cities, all of them in Osaka Prefecture, with the exception of the city of Amagasaki.
- Naniwa Cruise: Osaka Area
- Bay Area Cruise: Osaka and Kobe Bay Area
- Mahoroba Cruise: Nara Area, Yoshino Cherry Blossoms and Asuka Area
The cost of the Zeppelin flights varies depending on the course and the flight chosen. Flights are scheduled between 13:30-20:00, including the night flight.2007.12.11 by John Christopher
Back in June we had an article about the Zeppelin of the Nippon Airship Corporation in Japan and that it will soon be offering sightseeing flights. Well this soon is now. Currently the Zeppelin NT number 2 operates in Tokyo you can check out the completely reworked japanese Website of NAC or take a look at the autotranslated english version. Most interesting might be the tours that are offered from November 23rd to January 5th over Tokyo if you are interested in a flight check out the special Cruise website and in case you don't read Japanese the auto translated version. If we decipher the Japanese correctly the prices range from 126,000 Yen to 168,000 Yen per flight which is 757,- to 1010,- Euros. The flights range from 90 Minutes to 2 hours. If you compare these prices to those charged by the Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei who charge 545,- Euros for a 90 Minute flight and 715,- Euros for the 2 hour tour the prices are higher but you always have to compare it with the local economy so you can really say it's more expensive for those who live there but if you are traveling from somewhere else in the world you might think about going to Japan if you want to budget. IF your Japanese skills are better than ours, it would be great if you could help us a bit understanding what else is said on those websites.John and Ute Christopher of Airship Initiatives tell us that their Zeppelin Tours to Friedrichshafen are going very well. Perhaps the most interesting request so far was from a man in Japan who wanted to take his cat on the flight. (And no, Zeppelin wouldn't permit it.)
They have several accompanied group tours scheduled over the next few months (see below) and as you will see they now offer the option of a three-night stay in Friedrichshafen. There is more new information on the updated website www.zeppelintours.com including a full calendar and prices. Plus lots of new photos and so on.
Forthcoming tours:
These include a 60 minute Zeppelin NT flight of course, and all the extras.
8-10 August - Gold Tour with 2 nights in Friedrichshafen
4-7 September - Platinum Tour with 3 nights in Friedrichshafen
In addition they can arrange flights/tours for individuals, and Zeppelin have confirmed that flights will continue at Friedrichshafen until mid-November.
"Hopefully by 2008 we will also be able to offer flights in Friedrichshafen, San Francisco and in Tokyo!" John says. "Of course the 'big plan' is to get a Zeppelin to London and we are continuing to work on this... I have had several airship flights over London in the past and it is a spectacular place to fly. For the moment you can take a virtual London flight on the website."
So take a look at the expanded and improved website, and if you want to discuss getting up in the Zepp then get in touch with John and Ute at customerservice@zeppelintours.com
Nippon Airship Corporation will shortly welcome passengers aboard the Zeppelin NT
Friedrichshafen, July 3rd 2007 – the Zeppelin NT airship sold to Nippon Airship Corporation (NAC), Japan in March 2004, received the license for commercial passenger operation in Japan on June 29th 2007. NAC, founded in 2001 expands its operational spectrum.
The second Zeppelin NT, formerly named the “Bodensee” (Lake Constance), received the license for commercial passenger service. The Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has issued the commercial passenger license for the second Zeppelin NT airship. With this license NAC can explore a further operational option of the NT 07. Currently the Zeppelin was used for special missions and commercial advertising. An exact date for starting the passenger operation has not yet been set.
„Very good news at mid year“, says Thomas Brandt, CEO of ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG. „We have been patiently waiting for quite some time
and are happy for NAC.“
After the conclusion of the sale in March 2004 Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH (DZR) started the three months training of three Japanese pilots and three mechanics. Already flagged Japanese the Zeppelin started its transfer flight to Japan in July 2004. Unfortunately this transfer flight stalled in Helsinki, due to the pending permission to transfer through Russia. The break of winter in East-Siberia brought about NAC’s decision to transport the Zeppelin to Japan via sea transport on a dock ship. In January 2005 the Zeppelin NT 07 arrives at Kobe harbor and is currently stationed close to Tokyo at Honda airport.
ABOUT ZEPPELIN LUFTSCHIFFTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG, headquartered in historic Friedrichshafen, Germany, develops, manufactures and markets the Zeppelin NT, a modern lighter than air multi-purpose airship. There are three Zeppelin NT airships currently operating in the world – one in Japan, one in South Africa, and one in Germany. In partnership with Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik, a Zeppelin NT 07 has flown commercial air tours, advertising, and scientific missions throughout Europe since 1997.
Zeppelin is a trademark of ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG. All other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG.
Aeronautical transport business permission was delivered!In plain old English that means to me that they got a permission to make passenger flights on May 31st only some tests have to be made until they are allowed to start scheduling flights. The first flights might be scheduled this fall. I will try to get into contact with NAC to get some inside information form them but the Google Language Tools definitely where helpful. To check out the NAC Website in English(or what's supposed to English) got to this Google Translated Site. I suggest to look across the page, there are some nice pictures of the Zeppelin NT in Japan and some more stories, like the earthquake disaster restoration investigation from April.
2007 June 1st
The japanese airship, May 31st, acquired aeronautical transport business permission from the national traffic ministry.
When after this, it receives various tests and facility inspection and passes to those everything, the transport business more and more by the airship becomes possible. In this, also sightseeing flight is included of course.
Already, from many everyone in regard to sightseeing we receive the inquiry, but start time (*) and fee setting and the place etc have not reached to still last decision. As soon as the rule, because at this home page we guide, now please wait for a while.
* It is schedule after this fall.
