June 24, 2019: In an attempt to overcome logistics issues in landlocked areas, ADP Ingénierie, a subsidiary of Groupe ADP has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Flying Whales, which is developing airships to carry loads up to 60 tonnes. The deal was signed at the Paris Air Show.

The airship is being designed to meet the needs of the Office National des Forêts, the French Public Forest Office to extract wood in hard-to-reach areas. It will overcome ground constraints for the point-to-point transport of heavy or bulky loads with a small environmental footprint.

From 2017, ADP Ingénierie has advised Flying Whales on establishing operating bases in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region.

ADP Ingénierie has supported and managed projects for the establishment and operation of airport platforms and can contribute to the Flying Whales bases deployment project.

Flying Whales wants to benefit from ADP Ingénierie’s expertise in order to identify and consider the technical, regulatory, environmental and societal constraints for its bases, but also on the conversion and operation of existing airport platforms.

In addition, Groupe ADP plans to acquire a stake in Flying Whales.