Skycruise Switzerland has launched Skyship 600 an airship introduced specially for sightseeing and excursions operating over the Lake Lucerne region.

Speaking on the new venture, Christian Schulthess, president, Skycruise Switzerland AG, mentioned, “We are building on the magnificent success of our passenger airship business. Our passengers have expressed great enthusiasm for these luxurious flights, and we are starting this season with full flights and a waiting list of those wishing to fly.”

Scheduled flights will be operational until October 26, 2003 over the shoreline of Lake Lucerne, covering famous sightseeing areas in the region, including the nearby mountains and glaciers including Mount Titlis. The 12-passenger Skyship 600 airship is one of the largest passenger-carrying airship in the world. It offers a spacious cabin with lots of headroom, windows that open in flight, first class seating, a galley for serving food and beverages, and even a lavatory.

Operated together with Airship Management Services (an affiliated company), the Skycruise Switzerland airship is 66 meters (197 feet) long and is filled with non-flammable helium. It has a cruising speed of 50 kmph (30 mph). Says, Raymond Choksi, regional manager, Lucerne Tourism in India, “An airship flight is an ideal activity to combine with other tourist activities in the Lucerne area. Only one hour by car or train from Zurich and Basel, Lucerne offers numerous popular tourism attractions such as steamboats rides, famous mountains, convention centers and holiday areas.

Passenger flights are offered in three categories, namely, 1) 40-minute flight, 2) One-hour flight, 3)Luxury 90-minute champagne flight at sunset with all flights being non-smoking. Skycruise trips depart and arrive at the airport Lucerne/Buochs in the central part of Switzerland. Daily flights departing Lucerne/Buochs except Mondays and Tuesdays due to maintenance. Facilities are also provided to have special flights and private flights.