May 15, 2025
Nearly a century after the fall of the Hindenburg, airships are making a remarkable comeback.
March 1, 2025 – Hamilton, Bermuda
Commissioner Hartsell discusses the World Sky Race's educational mission and impact on Bermuda's STEM initiatives.
December 28, 2024
Ambassador Untermeyer boards the DICK’S House of Sport blimp for a breathtaking journey above Earth’s horizon.
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Nearly a century after the fall of the Hindenburg, airships are making a remarkable comeback.
In an in-depth interview, Commissioner Don Hartsell joins Dr. Lew Simmons to discuss the World Sky Race's global impact on STEM education.
Cmdr. G. Mark Miller and Don Hartsell explored the legacy of Lindbergh and Apollo 11 at the Smithsonian's historic museum.
Ambassador Chase Untermeyer joined a unique journey aboard the DICK'S House of Sport blimp for a stunning view of the Earth.
BBC Travel explores the promise of electric airships as a sustainable aviation solution—or possibly just hot air.
The World Air League and Family Office Network launch a groundbreaking mission to study airborne microplastics with the SEE Airship Expedition.
KGO reports on a massive new airship from LTA Research preparing for launch in the Bay Area with global implications.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin backs Pathfinder 1, the largest aircraft ever built, ushering in a new era of air travel innovation.
Don Hartsell previews the Solar Eclipse Expedition of 2024, marking the last eclipse of its kind until 2044.
Prince Albert II of Monaco reveals details of the World Sky Race at the Explorers Club in NYC—with a $5 million prize for the winner.
The Wall Street Journal highlights Don Hartsell’s vision for a global blimp race as an alternative to the billionaire space race.
UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles announces a deal with Air Nostrum Group, a major regional airline in Europe, to acquire Airlander 10 hybrid aircraft for sustainable air travel.
Iron Maiden frontman and pilot Bruce Dickinson brings his voice and aviation passion to the World Air League as its newest Advisory Director.
The University of Houston presents a story on helium’s critical role in technology and flight, highlighting its role in airship design and innovation.
The World Sky Race is featured in a segment on Houston Public Media discussing global education, aviation, and inspiration.
Astronaut and NOAA Administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan joins the World Air League Advisory Board, bringing decades of leadership in science and exploration.
In a moment worthy of a film, Argentina joins the World Sky Race after a fateful encounter during a solar eclipse, led by Bob Fowler and Don Hartsell.
Explorer, zoologist, and beloved TV host Jim Fowler is honored for his contributions to wildlife education and his role as Honored Advisor to the World Air League.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing, the dinner honored Apollo astronauts including Buzz Aldrin, Fred Haise, and Charlie Duke.
Two skiers and a snowboarder rappel from a Zeppelin in the Alps in a world-first aerial ski drop, captured in breathtaking footage.
World-renowned oceanographer and WSR Honored Advisor Dr. Walter Munk is remembered for his scientific achievements and enduring spirit of adventure.
Brian Jones, pilot of the historic Breitling Orbiter 3, joins the World Air League Advisory Board after completing a historic circumnavigation.
At 101 years old, Dr. Walter Munk continues shaping the future of oceanography and science from Gillespie Field in California.
Explorer and Solar Impulse pilot Bertrand Piccard joins the World Air League to advocate for global energy efficiency and sustainability.
Lockheed Martin secures a $480M deal to sell hybrid airships from its secretive Skunk Works division to Straightline Aviation.
With over 130,000 attendees, Earth Day Texas highlights sustainability initiatives and supports the mission of the World Air League.
Hosted by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, World Air League Commissioner Don Hartsell presented on its campus in Abu Dhabi.
The newest generation of Goodyear Blimp lifted off over Ohio, opening a new chapter in the legacy of one of the world's most iconic advertising airships.
World Air League Commissioner Don R. Hartsell discusses plans for the World Sky Race: a 2016 global blimp competition spanning six continents.
The 300ft helium-filled Airlander, originally developed for the U.S. military, is introduced at Cardington Airfield, echoing the age of great airships.
The World Air League presented HRH Prince Sultan with a commemorative portrait of his historic NASA mission aboard the Discovery Space Shuttle.
Albuquerque looks to expand its ballooning legacy with a proposed round-the-world race following the success of its International Balloon Fiesta.
The BBC Cloud Lab team embarks on a month-long US expedition in the world’s largest airship to study insect life, hurricanes, and weather science.
Two Russian helicopters stop in Fairbanks mid-round-the-world flight, honoring a family legacy in aviation and testing performance in subarctic conditions.
Skyship Services, Inc. launches the Skyship 600, continuing the legacy of airship development in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – Don Hartsell joins Stevie on GMAK to share the vision and benefits—economic and environmental—of the World Sky Race.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – Supported by the Office of the Lt. Governor, the Explorers Club held the first Alaska LOC meeting for the World Sky Race.
NICHOLASVILLE, KENTUCKY – A dear friend of the World Air League, Jack Kelly passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 68.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – The 3rd annual workshop was held by the Alaska DOT and NASA Ames, focusing on airship logistics for northern environments.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – The world’s leading offshore energy professionals gathered at Reliant Park, with attendance peaking at 104,800—a 30-year high.
ABU DHABI, UAE – The World Sky Race route committee visited UAE airfields to evaluate logistics during the 13th WTTC Global Summit.
NEW YORK, USA – Marine biologist and explorer Sylvia Earle joins as an Advisory Director, contributing scientific insight to the World Sky Race.
PONTA DELGADA, AZORES – The Tourism Association hosted World Sky Race delegates to evaluate airfield infrastructure for transatlantic staging.
HAMILTON, BERMUDA – Deputy Mayor Donal Smith is named chair of the new BLOC to advance Bermuda’s participation in the World Sky Race.
BERMUDA – The Royal Gazette covers Bermuda's unique opportunity to join the World Sky Race and the surprising speed potential of modern airships.
The World Air League met with global tourism leaders at WTM in London, including UNESCO and UNWTO, to coordinate support for the World Sky Race.
La Razón (Spain) features the World Sky Race as a first-of-its-kind global airship competition circling the Earth from Greenwich to Versailles.
At the Anchorage summit, World Air League joined discussions on using airships to modernize Arctic transportation infrastructure and logistics.
CNN profiles the visionary ambition of the World Sky Race and its global mission to unite nations through airship innovation and exploration.
At the UN Rio+20 summit, World Air League engaged with global sustainability leaders to advocate airships as a green future transport mode.
ISO Polar and the Van Horne Institute hosted a conference in Seattle highlighting lighter-than-air technologies for economic development and infrastructure.
Captain Nerandzic, a respected airship pilot with over 18,000 flight hours in 24 countries, passed away. His legacy continues to inspire the airship community.
The World Sky Race aims to fill the skies with airships circling the globe in a dramatic regatta over the world’s most iconic landmarks.
The Hybrid Air Vehicle, capable of staying aloft for three weeks and landing anywhere, is redefining the potential of air travel and transport.
UNWTO joins UNESCO in endorsing the World Sky Race, emphasizing global cooperation and cultural engagement through lighter-than-air exploration.
The Texas Sky Cup was unveiled at Reliant Stadium during an NFL game, thrilling fans with vibrant visuals and announcing a major airship competition.
The Eurosport Group and World Air League signed a deal for international coverage of the 2012–2013 World Sky Race, with 18 prime-time episodes set to air across Europe.
The World Sky Race was officially launched with promotional displays on two giant screens in Times Square, NYC, signaling the beginning of its global journey.
The World Sky Race was featured on two Times Square jumbotrons to announce its 2012–2013 global airship regatta.
With global airship racing on the horizon, ESPN covers the rising excitement of the Blimpie Cup and World Sky Race developments.
Don Hartsell, founder of the World Air League, is profiled in the Wall Street Journal for his vision to bring back airship racing on a global scale.
HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman opened the Saudi archaeological exhibition at the Louvre, joined by French cultural leaders and World Sky Race delegates.
Francesco Bandarin, former head of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, was appointed Assistant Director-General for Culture, signaling a renewed focus on heritage preservation.
Dr. Augustine brings decades of aerospace and public service experience to the World Air League, offering key guidance to the Sky Race’s development.
Remembering George Spyrou — visionary, gentleman, and advocate of the World Sky Race. His legacy continues to shape the global airship community.
JLOC hosted members of the WAL Host Cities Committee in Amman, Jordan, as part of strategic planning for future World Sky Race participation.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – A visual feature capturing a Zeppelin flight over Russia’s capital. [PDF with images]
MELUN-VILLAROCHE, FRANCE – Successful first flight of the solar-powered skyship Nephélios. The pilot began maneuver testing during the mission.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK – The World Sky Race made an appearance in the NYT Sunday Crossword. [ Clues | Puzzle ]
AQABA, JORDAN – HRH Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein honored the World Air League by becoming the Royal Patron for the World Sky Race in Jordan.
MELUN-VILLAROCHE, FRANCE – Progress continues on the first solar-powered skyship. The global spotlight grows for this zero-emissions project.
FRANKFURT & FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY – Russia’s Chamber of Commerce voiced support for the World Sky Race and Frankfurt’s milestone role.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK – Olympic executive Dr. Harvey Schiller joins the WSR Host Cities Committee, strengthening the team’s global reach.
MOFFETT FIELD, CALIFORNIA – NASA and the World Air League form a Space Act Agreement to validate green aviation technologies for airships.
MELUN-VILLAROCHE, FRANCE – French development team shared updates on Le Nephélios, the world’s first manned solar-powered skyship.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – KPRC Local 2 reports that Houston will be a host city for the global airship race. Announcement aired during a major sports event.
Boyd Matson of National Geographic Radio interviews Don R. Hartsell, World Air League Commissioner and Managing Director...
WEMBLEY, UK – Jean-Michel Jarre performed before a packed Wembley Arena. His first World Tour featured music from his milestone albums...
ABU DHABI, DUBAI & SHARJAH – World Air League provided briefings for UAE tourism and cultural departments during Arabian Travel Market.
Les dirigeables redécollent by Marie-Amélie Carpio...
HOUSTON, TX – Qatar Airways launched its new Houston–Doha route with a gala celebration attended by VIP guests and media.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Visual coverage of a remarkable Zeppelin flight over the Russian capital.
MELUN-VILLAROCHE, FRANCE – The aircraft performed well, the crew executed perfectly, and initial flight testing began.
NEW YORK CITY – World Sky Race makes an appearance in a featured clue in The New York Times crossword puzzle.
ROYAL PALACE AQABA, JORDAN – Prince Faisal of Jordan honored the World Air League by becoming the Royal Patron for the WSR in Jordan.
MELUN-VILLAROCHE, FRANCE – This groundbreaking solar-powered skyship project is gaining international media attention.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN AND FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY – Russia's Chamber of Commerce backs Frankfurt for a milestone host site in the World Sky Race.
NEW YORK CITY – Renowned Olympic executive Dr. Harvey Schiller joins the World Sky Race Host Cities Committee to offer global insights.
MOFFETT FIELD, CALIFORNIA – NASA and the World Air League formalize a Space Act Agreement to explore sustainable lighter-than-air technology.
MELUN-VILLAROCHE, FRANCE – WAL team visits Le Nephelios, witnessing firsthand the construction progress of the pioneering solar airship.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Local news reports the upcoming visit of the World Sky Race, as it brings the global airship competition to the Gulf Coast.
MELUN-VILLAROCHE, FRANCE – Projet Sol’R’s solar skyship performed its maiden flight, with the team executing test maneuvers smoothly.
NEW YORK CITY – The New York Times crossword puzzle featured the World Sky Race in clue 44 Across, highlighting its cultural relevance.
AQABA, JORDAN – HRH Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein becomes Royal Patron for the World Sky Race in Jordan, showing strong regional support.
MELUN-VILLAROCHE, FRANCE – The solar skyship project garners growing international interest as a pioneer in zero-emission manned flight.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – A PDF report highlighting World Sky Race engagements in Russia, including Zeppelin developments and outreach.
DOHA, QATAR – Commissioner Don Hartsell met with Minister H.E. Dr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Sada to discuss Qatar’s potential involvement in the World Sky Race.
PARIS, FRANCE – The World Sky Race was highlighted by the United Nations as a sustainable initiative to promote World Heritage sites and eco-tourism.
PARIS, FRANCE – L’UNESCO et la World Air League annoncent un partenariat pour défendre les sites du patrimoine mondial à travers une course de dirigeables.
PARIS, FRANCE – UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre teams up with the World Air League to promote lighter-than-air transportation globally.
UNESCO Russia highlights the launch of a sustainable partnership with the World Air League to advocate zero-emission airships.
NEW YORK CITY – Don Hartsell discusses the future of skyship racing with Forbes’ Jim Clash, highlighting the World Sky Race vision.
NEW YORK CITY – Explorers Club President Dan Bennett toasts legendary achievements and looks ahead to new frontiers in skyship travel.
AUSTRIA – Record-holding skydiver Mike Howard joins the World Hot Air Balloon Championship, aligning with airship promotional events.
FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY – From the birthplace of the Zeppelin, a new industry is emerging around modern lighter-than-air technology. By Nicholas Kulish, The New York Times
PARIS, FRANCE – The dream of floating hotels over wildlife and world landmarks is gaining lift. By John Tagliabue, The New York Times
QUEBEC, CANADA – The World Heritage Committee will consider new site inscriptions for UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Vietnam’s ambassador announced plans to open a Houston consulate after productive meetings with local leaders. Photo: Nick de la Torre / Article: Jenalia Moreno, Houston Chronicle
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Consul General Gavai shared updates on India’s World Sky Race preparations at a WZCC Houston event.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – A high-level Vietnamese delegation visited Houston to evaluate establishing a permanent consulate in the city.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Egyptian delegates attended Farouk Hosny’s exhibit opening at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
NEW YORK CITY – Commissioner Don Hartsell presented the World Sky Race vision as keynote speaker at the Explorers Club.
DUBAI, UAE – World Sky Race consultations were held with tourism ministries during the Arabian Travel Market event.
NEW DELHI, INDIA – Minister Ambika Soni and Secretary Kant received aerial mapping plans of India’s World Heritage Sites for WSR.
MUSCAT, OMAN – Commissioner Hartsell held follow-up meetings with Oman’s Ministry of Tourism to plan WSR routing.
BERLIN, GERMANY – Explorer and author Lorie Karnath joins the German Local Organizing Committee for the World Sky Race.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK - Commissioner Hartsell joined fellow Explorers at the Club's Annual Dinner in NYC.
BERLIN, GERMANY - Tourism ministries and travel industry leaders met with WAL during the ITB Berlin conference.
PARIS, FRANCE - A global partnership between UNESCO and WAL will promote World Heritage through aviation.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - Dignitaries and industry leaders gathered for the annual gala celebrating Indonesian culture.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - Italy's Consul General met with WAL to discuss Italy's role in the World Sky Race.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - A special exhibit showcased works from Egypt’s Culture Minister following the Tut exhibit.
DAVOS, SWITZERLAND - Reflections from the WEF’s 38th annual summit in the snowy Alps.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - Dr. Zahi Hawass filmed a PSA for the World Sky Race with support from media partners.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Egypt's presence at the Tournament of Roses Parade promoted their participation in the Race.
Geoffrey Connor and Abdulla Al-Maadadi opened discussions on Qatar’s potential role in the World Sky Race.
Commissioner Hartsell was granted full membership to the Explorers Club in recognition of his achievements.
In honor of Thailand's King’s 80th birthday, Star Events and six global balloons participated in the fiesta.
Emirates inaugurated a non-stop service from Dubai to Houston, strengthening World Sky Race partnerships.
In NYC, Expedia and the UN Foundation welcomed new WHA members at a UNESCO World Heritage ceremony.
At Greenwich Royal Park, leaders from historic and maritime institutions discussed the UK’s race involvement.
At the World Heritage Awards in Paris, Don Hartsell joined UNESCO leaders to honor global conservation efforts.
UAE Local Organizing Committee entered three balloons at this iconic New Mexico event through Star Events.
Mayor Bill White and Council declared October 2 as World Sky Race Day in Houston, Texas, honoring the initiative.
In a joint program between the American Museum of Natural History and UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Francesco Bandarin, Director of UNESCO World Heritage Centre ...
Secretary Alejandra Barrales officially welcomed and requested Ciudad de Mexico be included as a milestone host city for the World Sky Race.
With the support of Airship Management Services, the World Air League previewed skyship operations at Floyd Bennett Field.
At the Embassy of Malaysia in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Dr. Rajmah Hussain and Commissioner Hartsell discussed the nation’s progress and future collaboration.
State leadership met with Commissioner Hartsell to form Texas’s Local Organizing Committee for the World Sky Race.
The global airship race will fly over heritage sites beginning in 2010, announced by the World Air League based in Houston, Texas.
In Paris, UNESCO and the World Air League reached a landmark cooperation agreement supporting the World Sky Race and World Heritage awareness.
In Dubai, leaders from ETA-ASCON and the World Air League coordinated efforts for the race’s success in the UAE region.
A feature article highlights the creative and ambitious scope of the World Sky Race, as envisioned by Commissioner Hartsell and the WAL team.
At their second committee meeting, Malaysian officials and World Air League discussed planning and logistics for Malaysia’s race participation.
