October 28, 1999
At approximately 10:30 AM today, the fourth production airship designed and constructed by American Blimp Corporation, A-60+ number -05 clicked over 10,000 flight hours. It had provided "blimp" shots for network TV over the past weekend, and was in transit to its next assignment, while providing VIP rides at key locations en route.
This airship, with a five seat gondola, was first placed into service on November 19, 1992 at the historical lighter than air base at Lakehurst, New Jersey. During the intervening 6 years and 11 months, it has been flown extensively in the USA, Canada, and Malaysia. At the time -05 entered service it joined three other ABC airships. Today the fleet has grown to 17, which includes 4 of the new and larger A-150 Lightships, featuring a 10 seat gondola.
While this is the first ABC airship to accumulate 10,000 flight hours, another A-60+ is just a few weeks away from that accomplishment as well. It is expected that the total accumulated flight hours for the 17 ABC airships now in service will reach 100,000 during the first quarter of 2000.
American Blimp Corporation, a privately held company, is celebrating its twelfth anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1987, it has become the pre-eminent company engaged in the design of airships, and is the only company delivering airships from scheduled manufacture. Today the ABC airships in operation total more than those of all other manufacturers combined. ABC airships are flying in Turkey, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Europe, and North America. Thirteen of these airships are operated by The Lightship Group, operating them in 22 countries worldwide.For additional information please contact:
E. Judson Brandreth, Jr.
Vice President, Marketing
American Blimp Corporation
302 Ritchie Highway
Severna Park, MD 21146-1910
Phone: (410) 544-6507
Fax: (410) 544-6509
Home Page: www.americanblimp.com
E-Mail: Jud4Blimps@aol.com
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